A MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE "Gone," said Pereira again.

"Now, friend Pierre, before we ratify this matter by the aid of holy Church, perhaps you will table the gold.

This is a cash transaction, remember." "Certainly," answered Leonard.

"Where is that black dog of mine, the dwarf?
Ah! there he is.

Dog, weigh out the stuff; if you have not enough, here is more." And he unbuckled his belt, from which he had been careful to extract the ruby, and threw it to Otter.
"Now, gentlemen and companions," he went on, "for I hope that we may do business together by and by, drink my health and my bride's.