‘And that we may have some difficulty at present in finding out,’ said Blodget, ‘for, doubtless, he has gone in search of Inez. My heart throbs impatiently for the accomplishment of the deed, and I shall not rest until I am sure that Monteagle is no more.’ ‘On your promise of the reward you have mentioned, the deed shall, by some means or other, be despatched,’ replied Jenkins; ‘but you must wait with patience, and we will not lose any time or opportunity to discover where he is, and to put our plans into execution.’ ‘This assurance gratifies me, and I am satisfied that you will not deceive me!’ ‘You have had no reason to doubt me hitherto,’ returned Jenkins; ‘and, therefore, there is no occasion to do so now, I believe.’ ‘But have you any idea how to proceed?’ asked Blodget. ‘In the first place,’ returned Jenkins—‘It will be the best plan to send one of the gang to the Mission, in disguise. He may be able to learn the proceedings of Monteagle, and probably find out where he is.’ ‘I agree with your design,’ said Blodget, in reply; ‘and should it meet with success, I shall not be very particular in giving a few additional dollars to the sum already promised. But Inez, for whom I have run such a risk, still remains obstinate; and I do not think I shall be able to conquer her aversion in a hurry.’ ‘And of what consequence will that be as she is in your power, she must yield to your wishes, or you can gain your desires by force.’ ‘Force! but I would rather that persuasion would prevail; as notwithstanding my passion, I cannot bear the idea of violence.’ ‘Why, true, it would be much better if it were avoided,’ observed Jenkins, ‘but come, drink!’ ‘Here’s success to all our undertakings,’ said Blodget; and he quaffed off the contents of his glass. ‘Success to all our undertakings,’ responded the thieves and the toast was drank tumultuously. ‘You have been a fortunate fellow, Blodget, throughout your whole career, and have, no doubt, accumulated some money.’ ‘Why,’ returned Blodget, with a self-satisfied grin; ‘I have not much cause to grumble. But then I have had to depend upon my own wit and ingenuity.’ ‘Well, certainly, Blodget, you are a most perfect villain.’ ‘I believe I may lay some slight claim to the character.’ ‘Not a very slight one either,’ remarked Jenkins. ‘You pay me a very high compliment.’ ‘Ha! ha! ha!’ ‘But who among your gang will undertake the murder?’ Jenkins looked round upon his fellows, but in not one of their countenances, reckless and determined as they were, did he notice any signs of a desire to undertake the sanguinary deed. ‘Who among ye is willing to earn this reward?’ he asked. There was no answer. Blodget became impatient. ‘What! are ye all silent?’ asked Jenkins. No one offered to speak. ‘What say you Mike?’