Both Sir Frederick and Lyon viewed
the matter in the same light; and, now that everything was legally done
that was necessary to the design, the capture of the lugger was deemed
more than half accomplished.
"It is somewhat afflicting, too, Cuffe," observed Sir Frederick, in his
drawling, indolent way; "it is somewhat afflicting, too, Cuffe, to be
compelled to betray one's friends or to be hanged! In parliament, now,
we say we'll be hanged if we do, and here you say you'll be hanged if
you don't."
"Poh, poh! Dashwood; no one expects this Raoul Yvard will come to that
fate, for no one thinks he will hold out. We shall get the lugger, and
that will be the end of it. I'd give a thousand pounds to see that d--d
Few-Folly at anchor within pistol-shot of my stern at this blessed
moment. My feelings are in the matter."
"Five hundred would be a high price," observed Lyon, dryly. "I much
doubt if the shares of us three come to as much as a hundred apiece,
even should the craft fall into our hands."
"By the way, gents," put in Sir Frederick, gaping--"suppose we toss up
or throw the dice to see which shall have all, on supposition we get her
within the next twenty-four hours, timing the affair by this ship's
chronometers. You've dice on board, I dare say, Cuffe, and we can make a
regular time of it here for half an hour, and no one the wiser."
"Your pardon, Captain Dashwood; I can suffer no such amusement. It is
unmilitary and contrary to regulations; and, then, hundreds are not as
plenty with Lyon and myself as they are with you.
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