Is it a bargain, then ?" Leon replied with alacrity; but then that was no sign that he meant to keep his word.

He had been caught in a downright lie on many another occasion; so Hugh did not place much reliance on his promise to reform.
"Oh! as to that, Hugh," said the crafty Leon, "I've been figuring on cutting away from Nick for a long time now, and I guess I'll do it.
He's got me in lots of nasty scrapes, you understand, and then just laughs at me.

I'd have given him the shake long since, only he threatened to whip me black and blue if I ever did.

But this would be a good chance to try it out.

Yes, I'll promise you to try and break away from Nick; and I hope you'll keep mum about my coming here to-night.