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 "My plan has been laid. I have consulted the proper authorities. Captain Widgins and several other gentlemen—"

"Do you suppose that they will support such a man as—"

"As they, not you, consider me," replied Belmont. "Yes, I do. Unluckily for you, my reputation happens to differ—in various quarters. I shall have no trouble. Let me repeat it, you'll save yourself much by quietly joining with me, I'll tell you all that is necessary in due time, Touchtone," he concluded, with a crowning dash of assurance, probably fancying that he had already bewildered Philip into submission. "The sum total of the affair is, I want possession of that little boy. Don't try to prevent me! Bring him off the boat to-morrow morning when we stop at Martha's Vineyard. I promise you I'll let you understand things then far more fully than I can to-night. I'll fix it all right with the captain, and I'll say we've squared our quarrel. Last, but not least, you will never come across a job that will be so well worth your while. I should think not; that is, if you care for money. And not a hair of the