"In obedience to my order, all hands were speedily upon deck, and busied in earnest preparation. In pleasing assurance that I was as completely his dupe as could be desired, the villain had now the audacity to demand from me a written promise that, in consideration of the information given, five hundred dollars should be paid to him on the disposal of the prize. This demand (aware as he was--or rather as he purposed--that I was to play the part of the captured instead of that of the captor), was intended to lull me into even greater reliance on his veracity. I had difficulty in restraining my indignation, for I felt that the fellow was laughing at me in his sleeve; however, the reflection that, in less than twenty-four hours, the tables would be turned upon him, operated as a check upon my feelings, and I said with a hurried voice and air: "'Impossible. Desborough, I have no time now to give the paper, for as you perceive we are getting under way--I however, repeat to you my promise, that if your claims are not attended to elsewhere, you shall have my share of the profits, if I take this prize within the next eight and forty hours within the boundary of Turkey Island. Will that content you?' "'I expect as how it must,' returned the secretly delighted, yet seemingly disappointed settler, as he now prepared to recross the gun-wale into this canoe; 'but I guess, Mr. Grantham, you might at least advance a feller a little money out of hand, on the strength of the prize. Jist say twenty dollars.' "'No, Desborough, not one. When the Turkey Island prize is mine, then if the Government refuse to confirm your claims, we will share equally; but as I said before, I must first capture her, before I consent to part with a shilling.' "'Well then, I guess I must wait,' and the scoundrel confidently believing that he had gulled me to his heart's content, stepped heavily into his canoe, which he directed along the lake shore, while we with willing sails, glided up the channel and speedily lost him from our view." "A perfect adventure, upon my word!" interrupted De Courcy. "What a bold and deliberate scoundrel!" added Captain Granville. "I confess, Grantham, I cannot but admire the coolness and self-possession you evinced on this occasion. Had I been there in your stead, I should have tied the rascal up, given him a dozen or two on the spot, and then tumbled him head-foremost into the lake."