"Yes," said Jasper, "if it's honest."

 

"No fear of that. I want you to take that boy home to his father."

 

"I'll do it," said Jasper, eagerly.

 

"How much pay do you want?"

 

"None at all, except money to pay my fare in the cars."

 

"You're the right sort," said Dick, with satisfaction. "But there's another matter I've got to think about. How do I know but you will betray me?"

 

"How?"

 

"Put the police on my track."

 

"If you hadn't given up the boy I might," said Jasper, frankly¹.

 

Dick regarded him attentively².

 

"You're bold," he said. "Then you won't betray me now."

 

"No."

 

"Promise it."

 

"I promise—that is, if you send the boy home by me."

 

"All right; that's understood. Now for another matter. Read that letter."

 

Jasper read the letter of Herman Fitch, already quoted.

 

"You see this man, the boy's father, agrees to pay one hundred and fifty dollars when he is given up."

 

"I see that."

 

"He will give you that money—that is, if he means fair—and you will bring it to me. Do you understand?"

 

"I do."

 

"Do you promise that?"

 

"I promise that, too. Where am I to find you? Here?"

 

"No; I'll give you an address in St. Louis."

 

"Does the father live in St. Louis?"

 

"He lives a little out of the city. His name is in the directory, so you won't have any trouble in finding it."

 

"How glad he will be to see the little boy again!"

 

"He ought to be. You don't think he'll back out from his agreement?" said Dick, suspiciously.

 

"No; he'll be so glad to see the child, he will care nothing for the money."

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