“Indeed! and what may be your business here, I should like to know? I do not allow persons of your standing to intrude upon me,” said Phillip, with a curling lip. “Indeed! Lor how amazingly proud you’re getting,” Captain Jack answered, with a sneer, and tossing off a glass of wine. “I thought we should meet as friends.” “Sir, I do not understand you,” said Phillip, trying to shake off his rough companion, much like a sparrow frets and struggles when in the talons of a hawk. “In truth, your room is much better than your company.” “I dare say; that’s what a good many say. But, then, you see, the Crown can’t get along without such as me and my friends.” “The Crown, sir? And what have I to do with you or the Crown, I should like to know? You wish to insinuate something; but, as a man about town, I know too much of you fellows.” “Ha! ha! how clever you are. Lor, who’d a thought it?” “Thought it? Thought what?” “Why, that young Bolton is in prison,” said Captain Jack, with a smile. “Serve him right, then, if he is guilty of that foul deed of which you accuse him.” “Yes, now you come to think on it, it _was_ a foul and bloody affair, wasn’t it?” “Most horrible.” “And, just to think as how the old man didn’t offend even a mouse, and to be cruelly butchered for the sake of a few hundred pounds, and his son clapped in gaol as an accomplice in the deed! He must have been an artful chap as planned that affair.” “Yes, truly, he must, and an heartless villain also,” said Phillip. “But why do you stare at _me_ so?” “Nothing. I was only going to ask you a question,” said Captain Jack, stroking his chin in deep thought. “What is it?” “Your father is very rich?” “Yes; what of that?” “And has many ships?” “Yes.” “And sometimes he insures cargoes?” “And lives also for those who wish.” “Exactly,” said Jack. “And if you were going abroad, how much would you insure _your_ life for?” “That depends. Are you going abroad?” “Perhaps so.” “I should insure myself even for the benefit of my friends, if nothing else, in that case, and I should take good care it was for a good round sum also.” “That shows your wisdom, Mr. Redgill. But how much do you consider yourself worth?” “Well, you and _I_ are different persons entirely,” said Phillip, with a careless sneer. “But _I_ should insure myself for at least £5,000.” “A very nice sum, indeed. Well, the _other_ question I was going to ask is this: Will you make me a present of that sum?” “Me make you a present of £5,000? Why, the man is mad.” “Not quite; just the contrary,” said Jack, smiling. “What do you mean?” “Mean?” said Jack. “Listen; in a whisper, mind; would you rather swing on a gibbet, or give the sum I name?” Phillip turned deadly pale, as he stuttered, “What _can_ you mean?”