what you say be true, my quest is at an end. All that I need, you appear
to possess. Other proofs are secondary to this. I know with whom I have
to deal. What do you demand for that certificate?"

"We will talk about the matter after breakfast," said Turpin. "I wish to
treat with you as friend with friend. Meet me on those terms, and I am
your man; reject my offer, and I turn my mare's head, and ride back to
Rookwood. With me now rest all your hopes. I have dealt fairly with you,
and I expect to be fairly dealt with in return. It were idle to say, now
I have an opportunity, that I should not turn this luck to my account. I
were a fool to do otherwise. You cannot expect it. And then I have Rust
and Wilder to settle with. Though I have left them behind, they know my
destination. We have been old associates. I like your spirit--I care not
for your haughtiness; but I will not help you up the ladder to be kicked
down myself. Now you understand me. Whither are you bound?"

"To Davenham Priory, the gipsy camp."

"The gipsies are your friends?"

"They are."

"I am alone."

"You are safe."

"You pledge your word that all shall be on the square. You will not
mention to one of that canting crew what I have told you?"

"With one exception, you may rely upon my secrecy."

"Whom do you except?"

"A woman."

"Bad! never trust a petticoat."

"I will answer for her with my life."

"And for your granddad there?"

"He will answer for himself," said Peter. "You need not fear treachery
in me. Honor among thieves, you know."

"Or where else should you seek it?" rejoined Turpin; "for it has left
all other classes of society. Your highwayman is your only man of honor.
I will trust you both; and you shall find you may trust me. After
breakfast, as I said before, we will bring the matter to a conclusion.
Tip us your daddle, Sir Luke, and I am satisfied. You shall rule in
Rookwood, I'll engage, ere a week be flown; and then---- But so much
parleying is dull work; let's make the best of our way to breakfast."

And away they cantered.

A narrow bridle-road conducted them singly through the defiles of a
thick wood. Their route lay in the shade, and the air felt chilly amidst
the trees, the sun not having attained sufficient altitude to penetrate
its depths, while overhead all was warmth and light. Quivering on the
tops of the timber, the horizontal sunbeams created, in their
refraction, brilliant prismatic colorings, and fill