“Not so fast.  I know it is bad, and I knew then that something of a decisive kind must be done in order to relieve myself from the dilemma into which this little untoward circumstance had placed me.  I remembered that on that occasion you were somewhat disguised, so that in your natural state, or in any other disguise you might wish to assume, it would be impossible to identify you as the same individual.  Well, after long deliberation, and the formation and abandonment of many projects, I finally had to settle upon one, which, in your then appearance, compromised your character to some degree; but I hope the course I pursued, notwithstanding this unpleasant part connected with it, will meet your entire and cordial approbation.  Indeed, had I not felt certain of this, I should not have adopted the measures I did.”

Here Duffel gave the captain a history of the events narrated in chapter second.  When he finished his recital, the captain said: 

“Why, Duffel, you are the very devil at a plot!  I had no idea you could act the part so well—­I shall certainly use you hereafter.  But now for the rest of your scheme; if it is half as well matured as the first part, I shall certainly join you in it with all my heart.”

“Well, you see, I have already deceived the old gentleman, but he must be kept deceived; it will not do to let first impressions wear off, or all will be lost.  From all that I can learn, he is very tender toward his daughter since her illness, and it is not unlikely will yield to her wishes, if she recovers, more than he has done heretofore; but in order to keep his suspicions of Hadley excited, while he still retains his good opinion of your humble servant, his mind must be plied and his prejudices kept alive, so as to counteract the effect likely to be produced by a father’s feelings for a suffering child.  In other words, the growing sympathy for his daughter, must be met by a countervailing distrust and aversion toward Hadley.  To accomplish this I have hit upon the following plan.”

Here he drew the captain still further from the others, and, in low and smothered tones, imparted to him his scheme, which was no doubt a villainous one, as it drew from his auditor and confidant an exclamation to this effect: 

“By my soul, Duffel, you are an adept in these matters!  I never dreamed of your being so deep a plotter!  The world and your friends, also, have done you injustice by not giving you credit for so ample a development of such rare ability to deceive.  Success to your plans.  I will gladly second them, as far as the part allotted to me is concerned, with a hearty good will.  But what think you I had best do?”

“Taking everything into consideration, I think the best thing you can do for us all is to go down south, or to St. Louis, and remain for a length of time, perhaps till I send you word of what is transpiring in this part of the world.”

“What will be done about our next meeting?  You know we have an application on hand.”