"Not only thet, but--I reckin I may as well tell yer--I am in debt to Alf Brandon, an' it war only by his believin' in your death I hev been able to stave it off. Now, Pierre Robideau!" In his turn the gold-seeker stood reflecting. "Well, Jerry Rook," he rejoined, after a time, "as to the black mail you've been levying on these six scoundrels, I have no particular wish to see them relieved of it. It is but a just punishment for what they did to me, and to tell you the truth, it has, to some extent, taken the sting out of my vengeance, for I had come back determined upon a terrible satisfaction. While serving yourself you've been doing some service to me!" "May be," suggested the old pirate, pleased at the turn matters appeared to be taking, "maybe Pierre, ye'd like things to go on as they air, an' let me gi'e you more o' the same sort o' satisfackshun? Thar's a way o' doin' it, without any harm to yurself. It's only for you _to keep out o' sight_." Pierre was again silent, as if reflecting on the answer. He at length gave it. "You speak truth, Jerry Rook. There is a way, as you've said; but it must be coupled with a condition." "What condishun?" "Your daughter." "What o' her?" "I must have her for my wife." Rook recoiled at the proposal. He was thinking of Alf Brandon and the plantation, the grand estate he had so long coveted, and set his heart upon having. On the other side were the six hundred dollars a-year. But what was this in comparison? And coupled with a young man for his son-in-law, who was not even a full-blooded white--poor, perhaps penniless. No doubt he had come back without a dollar in his pocket. Was this certain? He had been to California, the country of gold. From what could be seen of him in the dim light, he appeared well dressed, and his speech proclaimed him well instructed. He had certainly changed much from the time of his departure. He may not have returned either so fortuneless or friendless. These conjectures kept Jerry Rook from making any immediate answer. Taking advantage of his silence, the young man continued-- "I know, Jerry Rook, you will be wanting for your son-in-law some one with means; at least, enough to support your daughter in a decent position in society. I am fortunate enough to have this, obtained by hard toil, in the gold _placers_ of California. If you wish satisfaction on this head, I can refer to the Pacific Banking Company of San Francisco, where, three years ago, I deposited my three year's gatherings--in all, I believe, about fifty thousand dollars." "Fifty thousand dollars! D'ye mean that, Pierre Robideau?" "I mean it. If I had a light here, I could show you the proof of the deposit." "Come into the house, Pierre. I don't mean for a light. Ye'll stay all night? Thar's a spare bed; and Lena'll see to your heving some supper. Come along in."