At the same time, we should have the satisfaction of knowing that the substantial sum which we are prepared to pay our agent had come into worthy hands." "You hit it there again," murmured the veteran.
"You are prepared, then," said Ezra, glancing keenly at him, "to put yourself at our orders on condition that you are well paid for it ?" "Not so fast, me young friend, not so fast!" said the major, taking his cigar from between his lips and letting the blue smoke curl round his head.

"Let's hear what it is that you want me to do, and then I'm riddy to say what I'll agree to and what I won't.

I remimber Jimmy Baxter in Texas--" "Hang Jimmy Baxter!" Ezra cried impatiently.
"That's been done already," observed the major calmly.

"Lynched for horse-stealing in '66.

However, go on, and I'll promise not to stop you until you have finished." Thus encouraged, Ezra proceeded to unfold the plan upon which the fortunes of the House of Girdlestone depended.