The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 213: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

206 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. “ Can’t say I did, sir,” answered the ruffian, who was instantly on his guard—for the treacherous invari- ably suspect treachery ; ‘‘ and what, may I be so bold to ask, brings you to such an out-of-the-way place as this ?” ‘Mr. Grindem has no secrets from me.” ** Indeed, sir !”’ / “ None: he has sent me to receive the papers—you understand,” said Small, lowering his voice, as if fearful that the stones should hear him; “old Gridley’s papers.” “And by what token am I to know that he sent you ”’* demanded the man, suspiciously, for he had not forgotten Small’s treatment of him in the morning. “A very good and sufficient one,” replied the treacherous partner, at the same time taking out his pocket-book ; ‘‘a thousand pounds to be paid on their delivery.” Flin’s eyes glistened with cupidity and joy. A thousand pounds! the sum seemed almost fabulous to him; and yet there 1t was—in a few moments he would clutch it—it would be his. ‘This way,” he whispered; “this way.” *< Not into the cellar ?”’ observed Small, endeavouring to conceal his alarm. | ** No, we shall be safer here,”’ returned his companion, ‘“‘ under this doorway; we can settle all our business there, as well as in the cellar.” He pointed to a large old-fashioned gateway, the COniiclooecl SS (SO