Electronic book host

? ? ? ? "Humph! I suppose you would like to know why we brought you here."

? ? ? ? "I would very much."

? ? ? ? "We propose to hold you for ransom."

? ? ? ? "But why should you? I am only a poor boy."

? ? ? ? "You are the friend of Jefferson Pettigrew. He is a rich man. If he wants you back he must pay a round sum."

? ? ? ? It was all out now! These men were emulating a class of outlaws to be found in large numbers in Italy and Sicily, and were trading upon human sympathy and levying a tax upon human friendship.

Chapter XXXIII - Underground

? ? ? ? Rodney realized his position. The alternative was not a pleasant one. Either he must remain in the power of these men, or cost his friend Mr. Pettigrew a large sum as ransom. There was little hope of changing the determination of his captors, but he resolved to try what he could do.

? ? ? ? "Mr. Pettigrew is under no obligations to pay money out for me," he said. "I am not related to him, and have not yet known him six months."

? ? ? ? "That makes no difference. You are his friend, and he likes you.


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