If you couldn't I would send you back to your sloop with the package to-night.

But as it is I am going to relieve you of your oath.

Yes, Nat, I give you back your oath--for a time." Nathaniel stepped a pace back and put his hands on his pockets as if to protect the gold there.
"You mean that you want to call off our bargain ?" he asked.
The councilor rubbed his hands until the friction of them sent a shiver up Nathaniel's back.

"Not that, Nat--O, no, not that! The bargain is good.

The gold is yours.