and they will then
manage to get me out on straw bail. I can then loaf around town,
enjoying myself, and if I cannot compromise the matter, or if I think
that the trial will go against me, I can run away. In this way I shall
lose my security, and my bondsmen will have to fight the bond; but
still," said he, with a chuckle, the keen Yankee showing out, "but still
I shall not do so badly, after all, as I shall have about twenty
thousand dollars left to begin business with in a new place."

Maroney was more than ever impressed with his ability, and began to
think that White was now his only true friend, and the best man to help
him out of his difficulty. He had now been in jail several months, and
it was time to get matters fixed up. Why could he not trust White to
help him? He was a good contriver, and apparently could be trusted.
Still it would not do to be too certain, so he would quietly feel his
way along. He gradually broached the subject to White by saying, "White,
I feel very bad at the idea of your leaving me; after you go, all my
friends will be away from me. I might rely on Porter's help, or perhaps
on Patterson's. McGibony is a good fellow, and would willingly help me,
but I can't trust him too far, as he could be easily pumped. Moreover,
the great trouble is, that they are all down South. I can not take my
wife from Jenkintown, and yet I feel as though the Adams Express were
watching her. What must I do? You are a keen fellow; can't you help me
when you get out? I have some money of my own, and I would gladly pay
you for your trouble."

"Well," said White, "I shall have all I can do to attend to my own
business for the first four or five days I am out, but after that I
might help you. I don't know as I shall be able to do you any good, but
if I make an effort, we must have a clear understanding that my
connection with the matter must never be known. If I wish to communicate
with you I will send Shanks, who will be at once admitted to see you as
an old friend. If I were you, I would not talk to any of your New York
friends about it. They don't seem to care much for you, and very seldom
come to see you. Your lawyer is not doing much for you, and it would be
just as well not to let him into the secret either. Above all, you must
not let your wife or Madam Imbert know any thing about it. I have had
much trouble once or twice through women, and have determined never
again to trust them. It is utterly impossible f