rown out, I am fully persuaded she expects deliverance from some quarter;
and I am determined to put an end to such anticipations without further
delay. I think the sooner she is conquered the better. I should have
proceeded to extremes at once, but I wished to persuade her into a
voluntary marriage, so that I might come in for the old man's money; but
she has found some means of arming herself and is firmly bent on having her
own way, while I am as fully resolved she shall not. But I must have a dip
into the old gentleman's purse; that's another fixed fact; and so I am
going to marry the girl whether she will or not; and I want you, Bill, to
act the parson. I know you can do it. Disguise yourself and--. But you know
all the details as well as any reverend pastor in the land. Do it up right,
and give each of us a certificate in due form, so that it will stand in
law; and you shall be liberally rewarded; yes, and promoted, too. You shall
not serve me for nothing. Come, now, away as fast as possible to get the
men together, and report to me at midnight precisely, in this place."

Duffel had managed to smother his wrath during the brief moments he was
giving his orders; but no sooner had the seemingly pliant tools of his will
left, than he again foamed over, and pacing back and forth, continued his
cursing, as though he would spend his impotent fury in blasphemy.

Bill and Dick started off, as if in the most cheerful manner and with the
greatest alacrity they would do their leader's bidding. But no sooner had
they reached a safe distance than they began to consult how they were to
manage this new and unlooked for phase of affairs, which seemed destined to
undermine all their former arrangements and to overthrow their entire
calculations and plans. But Duffel could not be more determined to avoid
defeat than they were, and they set down the thwarting or overreaching him
as the first object to be accomplished. Bill reflected awhile, and then
said:

"I think we can manage it. Instead of going after the men, you must get
three horses ready for our immediate departure, while I go and prepare the
lady for the journey. We must endeavor to have everything arranged by
eleven o'clock, so as to be sure of success."

"But how are we to manage Duffel?"

"Leave him to me; I can do that part of the business effectually, I think."

With this understanding, the rascals parted, each to carry out his part of
the work for the evening and