Part 44 (2/2)
”Too public. Our object is to save the man's life,--an act of humanity; but we must not endanger our own safety.”
”No mortal man can ever know that he is confined there. The jail was built under my own direction, and, owing to its peculiar construction, not even the hands on the estate will know that it is occupied. I always keep the keys myself.”
”If you are satisfied, it is enough. But how can you get him in?”
”I can manage that, with your a.s.sistance,” said Jaspar, who had already arranged every particular. ”But his wife?”
”His wife! Has he a wife?”
”Ay; and one who, if I mistake not, will give us more trouble than the fellow himself.”
”She must be caged with him.”
”You say well, Mr. De Guy. But can you reconcile this advice with your dainty humanity?” said Jaspar, with a sneer.
”Certainly, I can! It were cruelty to separate man and wife, even in death. If I had a wife, I should be sorry to part with her under any circ.u.mstances.”
Jaspar grinned a sickly smile.
”But the plan!” continued the attorney. ”This loving couple will not willingly occupy your fancy apartment.”
”Leave that to me. Go to the jail. Here are the keys. I will send them to you. When they are in, lock the doors!”
De Guy smiled.
”You do not understand me?”
The attorney confessed that he did not.
”Nevertheless, go to the jail, and wait their coming. Unlock the doors, and get out of sight. They will enter, like lambs.”
Jaspar explained a little further, and the attorney took his departure to obey his instructions.
At the time appointed, Dalhousie returned to receive Jaspar's reply.
”You are punctual,” said the latter.
”I am,” replied Dalhousie, cavalierly. ”This business admits of no delay. Are you prepared to give me an answer?”
”Yes,” returned Jaspar, endeavoring to a.s.sume a crestfallen air.
”Well, sir, do you accept my terms?”
”I do, on one condition.”
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