"
"What can induce _you_, Mathews, to go there?"
"I have my reasons. Strong reasons too, in which I am sure _you_ will
heartily concur." He looked into his companion's eyes, with an
expression so peculiar, that Godfrey started as if some new light had
suddenly flashed upon his soul, while Mathews continued in a lower
voice, "Suppose, now that we could get up a regular quarrel between old
Ironsides and his son; who would then be the miser's heir?"
Godfrey took the hand of the smuggler and pressed it hard.
"Can you form no better scheme than that?"
"I understand you, Mr. Godfrey. You are a perfect genius in wickedness.
The devil never found a fitter agent for doing his business on a grand
scale. Yes, yes, I understand you."
"Would it be possible?"
"All things are possible to those who have the courage to perform. If I
could remove this obstacle out of your way, what would be my reward?"
"A thousand pounds!"
"Your conscience! Do you think that I would risk my neck for such a
paltry bribe?"
"You have done it often for the hundredth part."
"That's neither here nor there. If I have played the fool a dozen times,
that's no reason that I am to do so again. Go shares, and promise to
make an honest woman of Mary, and you shall not be long out of
possession."
"The sacrifice is too great," said Godfrey, musing.
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