"You have not forgotten that I mentioned to you in the cave the other evening, that I might need your services in getting rid of a troublesome fellow who was in my way. I did not then expect to need your services so soon, if at all, in this branch of our agreement; but, as the horse business is agreed upon, and as the fellow may possibly be something of a hindrance to my plans of operation in the future, I think this will be a first-rate occasion on which to dispose of him. As I said, somebody will be accused of stealing the horses, and as it is known that you, gentlemen, have recently been in these parts, and as suspicion has long since pointed to you as having had a hand in several transactions held to be unlawful, you will, as a matter of certainty, be designated as the thieves in this instance, unless, by some master-stroke of policy, you can fairly show that you are not guilty. Do you see this?" "It all looks mighty likely, certain." "Don't it look more than likely? Don't it look just as if it could not be otherwise?" "Why, yes; it does look so, that's a fact." "Of course you would like to cast the blame somewhere else?" "We would, that's certain." Well, you can do it. I have already prepared the way, and if you will follow my instructions to the letter, the thing is done?" "Give us our parts and we will act them to the life," said Bill, who had been spokesman for both, as was usual at such times. "Ay," said Dick, "and to the death, too, I guess." "Quite likely, quite likely!" rejoined Duffel. "Do you think you will have the nerve to perform this extreme act Should it become necessary?" "Does Lieutenant Duffel take us to be cowards, that he makes such a white-livered insinuation?" "By no means; I only wished to know if you were _now_ prepared for any emergency that might come up?" "Yes, any time and always. Go on." "My plan is this: So soon as the horses are in our possession, we must convey them to the middle of the 'Swamp,' and be back by morning, or noon at furthest, _and show ourselves_. If we are about early, say as soon as possible after the animals are missed, and _take part in the search_, few, if any, will think of us as being the thieves, as they are pleased to term such operators, while we can, at the same time, turn the hunt after the horses in the direction in which they are not to be found, if we can do so without exciting suspicions of our aims. Mark that! we must be cautious and not overdo the thing, or it will be worse for us than to do nothing." "We understand." "Well, that is all on that point; but there is something more to be done; we must direct suspicion to some one else; some one must be accused, and _he must not be about_. You comprehend?" "Perfectly." "Well, I have the sheep already prepared for the sacrifice." "Who is he, and where will we find him?"