"
"If they agree to give what you ask, why don't you turn over the chap to
them and have done with the whole business? I'm getting tired of dodging
about in this fashion, never knowing when they're going to drop down on
us, and feeling as if the prison-door was open just ahead. It's got to be
wound up pretty soon, or I'll step out and let you finish it yourself."
"Have patience," said Hornblower in a conciliatory voice; "it will all
come right, for we've the game in our own hands."
"Why the delay, then?"
"There's fear of the police; they mixed in, and they're bound to scoop us
if they can, and cheat us out of the money."
"There's been a big reward offered by the guardians themselves?"
"Yes. The officers have that as well as the glory of victory to urge them
on, and they won't let a chance slip."
"Have you put it to the guardians strong?"
"You'd better believe I have. I told them that at the first attempt they
made to play us false, the boy would be sent home to them in a coffin.
They understand that."
"Then, why don't they play square?"
"They would if it wasn't for the detectives.
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