In fact, my good woman," and he leaned forward and looked her straight in the eyes, "were I in the same position I would have knocked you on the head as readily as though you had been a rat." Black Meg shrank back, and turned a little blue about the lips.
"Of course, Mynheer, of course, it is a rough game, and the poor agents of God must take their risks.

Not that the other young man had any cause to fear.

I wasn't paid to watch him, and--as I have said--I neither know nor care who he is." "Well, who can say, that may be fortunate for you, especially if he should ever come to know or to care who you are.

But it is no affair of ours, is it?
Now, give me those letters.

What, do you want your money first?
Very well," and, rising, Brant went to a cupboard and produced a small steel box, which he unlocked; and, having taken from it the appointed sum, locked it again.