Page 537 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

say, by that time.’
‘But the Guard?’
‘ Won’t come here, my man. They’ve got their work to do
in watching the Neck and exploring after my mates. They
won’t come here. Besides, I’m dead.’
‘Dead!’
‘Thought to be so, which is as well—better for me, per-
haps. If they don’t see your ship, or your boat, you’re safe
enough.’
‘I don’t like to risk it,’ said Blunt. ‘It’s Life if we’re caught.’
‘It’s Death if I’m caught!’ returned the other, with a sinis-
ter laugh. ‘But there’s no danger if you are cautious. No one
looks for rats in a terrier’s kennel, and there’s not a station
along the beach from here to Cape Pillar. Take your ves-
sel out of eye-shot of the Neck, bring the boat up Descent
Beach, and the thing’s done.’
‘Well,’ says Blunt, ‘I’ll try it.’
‘You wouldn’t like to stop here till morning? It is rather
lonely,’ suggested Rex, absolutely making a jest of his late
terrors.
Will Staples laughed. ‘You’re a bold boy!’ said he. ‘We’ll
come at daybreak.’
‘Have you got the clothes as I directed?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then good night. I’ll put my fire out, in case somebody
else might see it, who wouldn’t be as kind as you are.’
‘Good night.’
‘Not a word for the Madam,’ said Staples, when they
reached the vessel.

For the Term of His Natural Life