me. The question is, whether I know enough to make it worth your
while to spare me. I think I do; but that is for you to decide.
If I put you to-night, and in half an hour's time, in possession of
property worth ten thousand pounds, will that content you?"

"Come, come," I said, "you need not try to fool me, nor think I am
going to let you out of my sight."

"You misunderstand. I desire neither; I only wish a bargain.
I am ready to pledge you my word to make no attempt to escape before
you are in possession of that property, and to offer no resistance to
your shooting me in case you fail to obtain it, provided on the other
hand you pledge your word to spare my life should you succeed within
half an hour. And, my dear sir, considering the relative value of
your word and mine, I think it must be confessed you have the better
of the bargain."

I thought for a moment. "Very well then," said I, "so be it; but if
you fail--"

"I know what happens," replied he.

With that he blew a note or two on his flute, took it to pieces, and
carefully bestowed it in the tails of his coat. I put away my pistol
in mine.

"Do you mind shouldering that spade and pickaxe, and following me?"
he asked. I took them up in silence. He drained his glass and put
on his hat.