He made a hasty step to the door, opened it, and beckoned to the officer to come in. As he did so, he shut it after him, took the man by the arm, and drew him to one end of the room: 'I want a week,' said he, in a quick tone. 'I'll give a thousand dollars to gain one week; and at the end of that time will surrender myself a prisoner.' The man shook his head: 'It can't be done, Sir,' said he. 'What's the reward offered for my apprehension?' 'A cool five hundred,' replied the officer. 'I'll double it to escape,' said Rust, 'or to gain a week, but a single week.' The man shook his head. 'Too many knows that we're arter you. It wouldn't do.' 'But at the expiration of that time I would surrender myself, and you could secure the reward too.' The man gave vent to a low chuckle; and placed his finger on the side of his nose, accompanying the motion with a sly expression, signifying an utter disbelief in Rust's promises. Rust gnawed his lip with fierce impatience, then taking the man by the arm, he led him into the hall, and shut the door. 'I must speak out,' said he, 'and trust to your honor not to betray me. A villain has seduced my child. I want time to find him, and to compel him to make her his wife. Now you know why I ask a week.' The officer at first whistled, then muttered something about its being a hard case; but concluded by saying, in a positive tone: 'It can't be did, Sir; I'm sorry for it; upon my word, I am; but I must keep you now that I've got you. I wish you'd given me the slip at first; but I can't let you go now. It's impossible--quite.' Rust eyed the man, as if endeavoring to find in his hard features some loop-hole to his more kindly feelings; but apparently he met with no success. 'Well, if it can't be done, there's an end of it,' said he, abruptly terminating his scrutiny. 'I've some other matters to speak of, and want a few moments more. I'll not detain you long, and will call you when I'm ready.' 'I'll give you all the time I can,' said the man, civilly.