smothered tones, imparted to him his scheme, which was no doubt a
villainous one, as it drew from his auditor and confidant an exclamation to
this effect:

"By my soul, Duffel, you are an adept in these matters! I never dreamed of
your being so deep a plotter! The world and your friends, also, have done
you injustice by not giving you credit for so ample a development of such
rare ability to deceive. Success to your plans. I will gladly second them,
as far as the part allotted to me is concerned, with a hearty good will.
But what think you I had best do?"

"Taking everything into consideration, I think the best thing you can do
for us all is to go down south, or to St. Louis, and remain for a length of
time, perhaps till I send you word of what is transpiring in this part of
the world."

"What will be done about our next meeting? You know we have an application
on hand."

"Let the meeting be postponed; or, if you see fit, I will attend to the
initiation in your absence. Choose yourself between the two measures."

"I will let you preside at the meeting, then; we have need of a few
additions to our number, when we can find the right kind of fellows; and
from all I can learn, this Hurd is made of the right stuff. See that
everything is done strictly in order."

"I will attend to that. But had you not better announce this arrangement to
the members present? They are all here yet, I believe."