Page:In the Roar of the Sea.djvu/91

Rh "Yes, sir, sometimes."

"Through the lanes and along the lonely roads?"

"Perhaps, sir—now and then."

"So do I," said Coppinger. He drew a pistol from his pocket, and played with it. The two "dilapidators" shrank back. "So do I," said Coppinger; "but I never go unarmed. I would advise you to do the same—if you are my adversary."

"I hope, Captain, that—that——"

"If those children suffer through you more than what I allow"—Coppinger drew up his one shoulder that he could move—"I should advise you to consider what Mrs. Cargreen will have to live on when a widow." Then he turned to Scantlebray, who was sneaking behind the window-curtain.

"Miss Trevisa's letter, authorizing you to act for her?"

Scantlebray, with shaking hand, groped for his pocketbook.

"And the two agreements or estimates you signed."

Scantlebray gave him the letter.

"The agreements also."

Nervously the surveyor groped again, and reluctantly produced them. Captain Coppinger opened them with his available hand.

"What is this? Five pounds in pencil added to each, and then summed up in the total? What is the meaning of that, pray?"

Mr. Scantlebray again endeavored to disappear behind the curtain.

"Come forward!" shouted Captain Cruel, striking the window-sill with the pistol.

Scantlebray jumped out of his retreat at once.

"What is the meaning of these two five pounds?"

"Well, sir—Captain—it is usual; every one does it. It is my—what d'y' call it?—consideration for accepting the estimates."

"And added to each, and then charged to the orphans, who pay you to act in their interest so they pay wittingly, directly, and unwittingly, indirectly. Well for you and for Mrs. Scantlebray that I release you of your obligation to act for Mother Dunes—I mean Miss Trevisa."

"Sir," said Cargreen, "under the circumstances, under