said, in a tone of satisfaction. "It don't improve
my beauty, but then I ain't vain. I care more for my liberty. If it
hadn't been for that cussed boy there wouldn't have been any need of
this."

"What boy?"

"Jack Morgan's boy--Julius."

"What did he do?"

"He split on us--gave warning of our attempt. That's how we came to be
taken. I'd give something to get at him."

"Maybe you will."

"I'll try, at any rate. If not now, my revenge will keep. Is that
all?"

"Not quite. Sit down again."

The old man stained the face of his visitor so adroitly that he
appeared to be deeply pitted with smallpox.

"Your own mother wouldn't know you now," he said with pride.

"That's so, Jacob! you're a regular genius," replied Marlowe. "I ain't
sure about it's being me. You're sure about it?"

"Shiver your timbers!" said the old man.

"Shiver my timbers, but I forgot about it! Do you think I'll do?"

"Yes; but you mustn't wash your face till it is dry."

"I sometimes forget to do it now. I guess I can get along without it
for a day or two. Now, how much are you going to ask for all this?"

"Seventy-five dollars."

"It's a good deal."

"How long would you get if you got took?" asked Jacob, significantly.

"You're right. It's worth the money. But I can't pay you now, Jacob."

"You won't forget it," said the old man, composedly, for he expected
this, since Marlowe's attempt at burglary had been unsuccessful.
"You'll pay me when you can."

"Shiver my timbers, messmate, but I will!"

"Good!" said the old man. "You're getting it."

"I don't think those landlubbers--the cops--will know me in this
rig-out."

"Better. You'll do."

"Well, Jacob, I'll pay you as soon as I can. By the way, haven't you
any place where you can stow me for the night? It won't do for me to
go back to Jack's room; it's too hot for me."

"Lay down anywhere," said Jacob. "I haven't got any bed; I lie down on
the clothes."

"That'll do; I ain't used to bridal-chambers or silk counterpanes. I
am as tired as a dog. Here goes!"

He flung himself down in a corner on an indiscriminate pile of
clothing, and in five minutes was breathing deeply, and fast asleep.
Had he been a novice in his illegal profession, the two narrow escapes
he had just had, and the risk which, in spite of his disguise he at
present run, would have excited him and prevented his sleeping; but he
was an old hand and used to danger. It was not the first time he had
eluded