to identify you as the same individual. Well, after long deliberation, and
the formation and abandonment of many projects, I finally had to settle
upon one, which, in your then appearance, compromised your character to
some degree; but I hope the course I pursued, notwithstanding this
unpleasant part connected with it, will meet your entire and cordial
approbation. Indeed, had I not felt certain of this, I should not have
adopted the measures I did."

Here Duffel gave the captain a history of the events narrated in chapter
second. When he finished his recital, the captain said:

"Why, Duffel, you are the very devil at a plot! I had no idea you could act
the part so well--I shall certainly use you hereafter. But now for the rest
of your scheme; if it is half as well matured as the first part, I shall
certainly join you in it with all my heart."

"Well, you see, I have already deceived the old gentleman, but he must be
kept deceived; it will not do to let first impressions wear off, or all
will be lost. From all that I can learn, he is very tender toward his
daughter since her illness, and it is not unlikely will yield to her
wishes, if she recovers, more than he has done heretofore; but in order to
keep his suspicions of Hadley excited, while he still retains his good
opinion of your humble servant, his mind must be plied and his prejudices
kept alive, so as to counteract the effect likely to be produced by a
father's feelings for a suffering child. In other words, the growing
sympathy for his daughter, must be met by a countervailing distrust and
aversion toward Hadley. To accomplish this I have hit upon the following
plan."

Here he drew the captain still further from the others, and, in low and