'Suppose that instead of doing this you elect to remain here. There
is one chance that you may go free through all the dangers of your
trade of blood; but there are ninety and nine chances that a violent
death or the halter shall be your ultimate fate.
'Besides, you may be sure that the law will not much longer permit
this lair to remain undiscovered. Your captain is now busy planning
the abduction of some young lady, who is, so far as I can judge, a
person of note. This will once more incense public feeling against
your band; and judge how it must fare with you should the law be
triumphant.'
'Upon earth there is notheen that I should prefer doeen to what you
say. But do you really think it is sometheen I ought to look to?'
'You have my opinion.'
'Then I pledge myself to do as you desire, and I shall be ready to
leave here when you say "go" or "come."' Roland stretched out his
hand.
'It is well; it is a bargain. Leave you all the rest to me.'
After they had roamed the woods for some hours--during which they
secured a dozen brace of birds--The Lifter said:
'Are you aware that you are to be a prisoner to-night?'
'No.
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