Do as I require, and I'll promote your interest in every possible way, and protect you; but waver, or hold back, and I'll hang you as unhesitatingly as if you were a dog." This threat was given in a tone that left no doubt on the mind of the hearer but that Mr.Stevens would carry out his expressed intention; and the reflections thereby engendered by no means added to the comfort or sense of security that McCloskey had flattered himself he was in future to enjoy; he, therefore, began to discover the bad policy of offending one who might prove so formidable an enemy--of incensing one who had it in his power to retaliate by such terrible measures.
He therefore turned to Mr.Stevens, with a somewhat humbled manner, and said: "You needn't get so mad, squire--sure it's but natural that a man shouldn't want to get any deeper in the mire than he can help; and I've enough on my hands now to make them too red to look at wid comfort--sure it's not a shade deeper you'd have 'em ?" he asked, looking inquiringly at Mr.Stevens, who was compelled to turn away his face for a moment to hide his agitation.
At last he mastered his countenance, and, in as cool a tone as he could assume, replied: "Oh, a little more on them will be scarcely a perceptible addition.

You know the old adage, 'In for a penny, in for a pound.' You need have no fear," said he, lowering his voice almost to a whisper; "it can be done in a crowd--and at night--no one will notice it." "I don't know about that, squire--in a crowd some one will be sure to notice it.

It's, too dangerous--I can't do it." "Tut, tut, man; don't talk like a fool.

I tell you there is no danger.

You, in company with a mob of others, are to attack this man's house.