I have been a soldier, too, in my
day. What is said to be the great secret of our trade, can you tell me
that?"
"I know not," said Middleton, beginning to tire of the fellow's
trifling: "courage?"
"No, legs--legs to fight with, and legs to run away with--and therein
you see my two callings agreed. My legs are none of the best just now,
and without legs a kidnapper would carry on a losing trade; but then
there are men enough left, better provided than I am."
"Stolen!" groaned the horror-struck husband.
"On her travels, as sure as you are standing still!"
"Villain, what reason have you for believing a thing so shocking?"
"Hands off--hands off--do you think my tongue can do its work the
better, for a little squeezing of the throat! Have patience, and you
shall know it all; but if you treat me so ungenteelly again, I shall
be obliged to call in the assistance of the lawyers."
"Say on; but if you utter a single word more or less than the truth,
expect instant vengeance!"
"Are you fool enough to believe what such a scoundrel as I am tells
you, captain, unless it has probability to back it? I know you are
not: therefore I will give my facts and my opinions, and then leave
you to chew on them, while I go and drink of your generosity.
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