He had not meant to speak of his allies, for fear of opposition, but concluded now that it would be better, and explained everything.
"No, Master Mark; won't do, sir," said Dan, shaking his head ominously.
"No good can't come o' that.

They'll be running away, and leaving us in the lurch." "Nonsense.

Eight men will be picked who, as you say, owe the ruffians a grudge, and they'll fight well." "But they'd rather fight us, master, same as us would rather fight them." "Not this time, Dan.

We must join hands with them, and beat the robbers.

Another time we may fight them." There was a low savage snarl.
"What do you mean by that, Dummy ?" cried Mark.
"You didn't tell me that Darley's boy was coming to fight alongside o' you, Master Mark." "Then I tell you now, Dummy," said Mark haughtily.