"
"That is clear enough."
"The only question," the Earl pursued, "is--who is to give the
information at the proper moment?"
"Undoubtedly that is a difficulty."
"I thought--excuse me if I come to the point--I thought that _you_
might do so."
"My lord!"
"You object?"
"Decidedly I do. Already I have risked too much in this business."
"I can think of nobody," said the Earl coldly, "so well suited for
the task. William thinks you are his spy, and would receive your
information without suspicion. He does not guess that, owing to my
knowledge of your past--of the affair of the dice at Antwerp, for
instance, or that trivial letter from Saint Germains which I happen
to possess--"
Captain Salt's sanguine cheeks were by this time white as death.
"If you insist--" he stammered in a hoarse voice that bore no
resemblance to his natural tone.
"I'm afraid I must. At the same time I mean to reward you," the Earl
continued pleasantly; "and a portion of the reward shall be paid in
advance. My dear captain, I have the most delightful surprise for
you. You were once a married man, and the lady you married was a
native of this port."
"Thank you, my lord; I was aware of the fact."
"You left her."
"I did.
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