"
"Yes, but they would squeeze our necks tighter than would be
agreeable, I expect," replied the other.
"Are you sure that he has money?"
"Quite sure; for I peeped through the chinks of the window-shutters,
and I saw him pay for the things brought to him; it was from a canvas
bag, and it was gold that he took out."
"And where did he put the bag after he had paid them?"
"That I can't tell, for, as I knew that they would come out as soon as
they were paid, I was obliged to beat a retreat, lest I should be
seen."
"Well, then, how is it to be managed?"
"We must first tap at the door, and try if we can get in as benighted
travelers; if that won't do--and I fear it will not--while you remain
begging for admittance at the door, and keep him occupied, I will try
the door behind, that leads into the garden; and if not the door, I
will try the window. I have examined them both well, and have been
outside when he has shut up his shutters, and I know the fastenings.
With a pane out, I could open them immediately."
"Is there any body else besides him in the cottage?"
"Yes, a lad who attends him, and goes to Lymington for him."
"No women?"
"Not one."
"But do you think we two are sufficient? Had we not better get more
help? There is Broom, and Black the gipsy, at the rendezvous.
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