"
"And it will be speedily, as you must learn to your cost. If you really
want a mill on the Pascataqua, I will show you how it can be built at
once."
"I should like to learn the secret."
"Abandon the evil companions you have chosen, reveal such of their plots
against his majesty's officers as you are acquainted with, and I guarantee
that a sufficient sum of money to put up the buildings and purchase the
machinery shall be loaned you within twenty-four hours."
"I am a fool not to have understood the drift of your conversation before
it reached this point," Walter said, hotly. " I had rather never own a
mill than get it as you propose; and as for evil companions,' I am proud
to have been allowed to join them."
"You will soon regret it."
"So you have said before; but since I have little faith in such
predictions, suppose you change the subject by explaining why you hold me
prisoner, and how long I am to be kept in this uncomfortable position? "
"There is no reason why both questions should not be answered. You are to
remain in my custody till George Messerve arrives in Portsmouth, in order
that your friends may not intimidate him, and it will be necessary to stay
exactly as you are several hours longer."
Walter asked no more questions. He understood it was the purpose of his
captors to keep him out of sight, that McCleary might believe his
messenger had gotten through to Boston in safety; and, in the meanwhile,
someone else would be sent to warn the newly-appointed distributor of
stamped paper of something - Walter could not divine what - which might be
attempted against him.
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