‘It is a pity you never did so before,’ said Cestus. ‘Had you done so, you might possibly have learnt something which would have saved you no end of bother, disappointment, and money. However, all that you shall learn presently. I have something to ask of you, it is true; but I ask it on condition that you fulfil your promise, only, when you are fully satisfied and claim your grandchild. You see how certain I must be when I can offer such terms.’ ‘What is it you ask?’ ‘That you give me your solemn promise, to allow me to go unharmed by you or any one else, and that, in consideration of my services, you will reward me with what you consider a fair return—the amount I leave to your own liberality.’ ‘Why do you wish me to guarantee to keep you safe and unharmed? What necessity for this, when your action would be kind and merciful in the highest degree?’ ‘Because, when you hear the history of the whole affair, it is possible my part in it may not please you,’ said the Suburan coolly. ‘If you have wronged her or me you shall be punished, and everything shall be wrung from you, as you deserve, without guarantee or reward.’ ‘Then, in that case, I will go no further; and you shall never see or hear of your missing grandchild again, simply for the reason, that I, alone, know who and where she is, and I, alone, hold the proofs of the same. I desire to serve myself as well as you; but, at the same time, I will not thrust myself into danger on that account. Without your promise in writing I will say nothing, except this, that she was safe and well until four days ago, when something occurred which has put her in some danger—you must understand she has grown up tall and comely. I have, therefore, come at much cost and fatigue, in mercy to you and her. Her situation at present is not to be envied, and the sooner we come to terms and see to her welfare the better.’ ‘I must know more than this—this is only a tale like others I have heard, save, that it is, perhaps, more ingenious and plausible,’ said Fabricius, in a great tremor. ‘Give me more proofs—show me that I may place faith in you, and you will find that I shall not be behindhand with you in anything that is fair and reasonable.’ Cestus knit his brows and mused a little. ‘I thought it would have been enough for any man to see I was no impostor,’ he said at length, pointing at the ribbons; ‘the child wore those when she was taken away from here—is it not enough?’ ‘No!’ answered Fabricius. ‘To give me such a paper will not in any way commit you, Fabricius; for, in it, you will not undertake to fulfil your promise, till you are satisfied that I have done my part in the business.’ ‘I will do nothing without further assurance that I am not trifled with—let that end it!’