Part 45 (1/2)
”Name it.”
”It is, that you sign this bond never again to land in America, and to preserve entire silence in regard to the information you have obtained;”
and Jaspar read an instrument he had drawn up, to blind the eyes of the overseer.
”I agree to it.”
”It is well. But a further difficulty presents itself. I have not so much money in the world. The estate, perhaps you know, consists mostly of real estate, stocks, negroes, &c. I have not five thousand dollars by me.”
The overseer looked at Jaspar with a keen, contemptuous glance, as if to read any attempt on his part to dupe him; but the wily planter moved not a muscle.
”Then you cannot, if you would, consummate the bargain?” said he.
”I said not so,” returned Jaspar. ”I only remarked that a difficulty had presented itself.”
”Pray explain yourself.”
”The difficulty can be removed.”
”Well, how? What new risk must I run?”
”No risk. To tell you all in a few words, I have the money in gold buried on the estate.”
”That will suit me better. I prefer gold.”
”It is buried three feet under ground, in the slave jail. I selected that place to bury it, because I could dig without attracting attention.”
”It can easily be brought to light. An hour's work with the spade will unearth it.”
”True; but I have not the strength to dig. Besides, I am engaged with a friend in the nest room.”
Dalhousie accepted the excuse, for he had seen De Guy, as he was walking in the garden, half an hour before.
”I can dig it up myself. Show me the spot.”
”Very well; but sign the bond first.”
”Of course, if you keep not your faith with me, the bond is nothing,”
said Dalhousie, as he affixed his signature to the paper, which Jaspar folded carefully, and put in his pocket.
”Here are directions which will enable you to find it without the necessity of my attending you;” and he handed him a slip of paper, upon which were written minute directions to the supposed locality of the treasure.
”But, suppose,” said Dalhousie, after he had read the directions, ”while I am digging, you should close the doors upon me?”
”Honor!” said Jaspar, laying his hand upon the place where the heart belonged, with an amusing contortion of the facial muscles.
”I have not the highest confidence in _your_ honor.”
”Perhaps not; but I can suggest a better protection. Have you any person at hand upon whose faith you can rely?”