Christian fiction; Man-woman relationships -- Fiction; United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Doctor Remy stopped short, and eyed his companion suspiciously, "See
here, Dick," said he, in a low, determined tone, "you had better not
venture to try any double dealing with me. I will have you to know
that I can put you in prison, any day; and I will do it, too, even
though I have to go along with you, if you falter one step in the
course I have marked out for you. Having begun with me in this
business, you will find it for your interest, in more senses than one,
to help me through with it."
"That is to say," muttered Dick, ruefully, "_Die met den duivel
ingescheept is, moet met hem overvaren_,--Having embarked with the
Devil, you have got to sail with him."
The sound of that word "prison" was by no means agreeable in his ears.
He had all a vagabond's love for open air and sunshine, and liberty to
go and come at his own fitful will. He sickened at the bare idea of
prison walls between him and the sky, prison bars between him and the
fresh, roving air, prison restraints upon his freedom of action.
Doctor Remy saw the impression that he had made, and
proceeded:--"Wherefore, if you hear, or have heard, the Major express
any intention of making a new will, I need not suggest the propriety of
your giving me immediate warning." The form of the sentence was that
of an assertion, but the tone was interrogative.
"_Dictum sapienti sat est_," answered Dick, sulkily, denying himself
the pleasure of translating, and immediately closing his lips tight, as
if he dared not trust himself to say another word.
In this mood, Doctor Remy thought it better not to press him further.
He had been made to see that he was in his power, and had even yielded
a reluctant assent to his will; this was gain enough for the present.
So, having reached the point where the roads diverged, he bade Dick a
smiling "Good-day," turned off toward the Hall; which, it occurred to
him, it might be worth while to visit, for the chance of securing
useful shreds of information, or of substituting the false will for the
true one.
Dick Causton looked after him with a moody, discontented brow. "I am
like a leek, a gray head, and all the rest green," he groaned to
himself. "I thought I had made a mighty sharp bargain, but it turns
out that I've only sold myself to the Devil, to fetch and carry at his
bidding. I really gave myself credit for more sense; but, _Do entra
beber, sale saber_, When the drink's in, the wit's out."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account