a fashionable woman, I
could never have found. As for my inheritance, I would care little had I
but some honest trade by which to live--but that my father thought too
plebeian to be introduced in the education of _his fashionable
son_--however, if I can pick his clerk's pocket of a few more bank
deposits, with my part of our spoils to-night, I'll do. I'm not always
going to be so bad. If my life is spared till this business is settled,
I shall spend the rest of my days in Havana. Even with the memory of my
crimes in my heart, I believe I can be happy with such a treasure in my
bosom as Marion. My father's pride has been my curse--my sins be upon
his head."

"And if you're found out in this business, what do you think will be
done?"

"Oh, I shall be bought up, without doubt. The old man's spirit could
never brook to have it said he had a child in prison committed for
burglary."

"Well, 'tis as well to be cautious; for I fear that young Pratt knew
you, and he'll tell all he saw, I'll be bound. Reckon though if he knew
he had a brother in the scrape he'd be tongue-tied. I have tried to turn
suspicion on Jeff, the negro. I picked his pocket of a knife and a
handkerchief, and threw them down there somewhere. I 'spose the boss
would almost be tempted to string him up if he thought him guilty;
however, a nigger more or less is nothing--but when it comes to such
valuable members of society as you and I, caution is necessary." Here
Quirk laughed coarsely.

"I'll wear whiskers awhile; that'll be disguise enough for me," said
Clinton. "All that worries me is Arthur Pratt's proceeding--hope he's
been good pluck."

"Never fear him; he's a little too conscientious yet awhile to be much
of a b'hoy, but he'd be ashamed to show he couldn't do as well as the
best of us. If that nigger didn't wake up when he went in we're safe
enough in that quarter."

"Have as little to say to him as possible, to-morrow, and remember to be
duly surprised at the news of the burglary."

"Trust me for that; I shall take proper care of our interests, I assure
you."

"As for the disposal of the goods, that, I suppose, comes entirely upon
my shoulders. I think I will dispose of this lot to Talbot; he is the
best paymaster, and the first dark night I will get them away from here.
After that, call for your dividends. If you are by any odd chance
arrested before that, remember your oath--don't implicate anybody. Honor
among thieves, you know."

"Aye