"
"What do you mean?" demanded the detective.
"The men demand that you join us."
"I will not. You will give me a chance for my life?"
"What chance do you want?"
"I wish to prove that my accuser is a liar."
"That would not help you, unless you become one of us; the
fact that you have learned our methods settles the business,
whether you are an informer or not. We run from here to the
place where our goods are landed; you would have all the
points down on us, and were you my own brother, it would be
necessary for you to join us or be silenced. Now what will
you do?"
"Give me half an hour to think the matter over."
"I've no right to give you any time."
"I can't run away, captain."
"I know, but I'd like to go back and make good my declaration
in your favor. I'd like to tell the men it's all right, and
that you will become one of us."
"On one condition I will take your oaths and obligations."
"What is your condition?"
"Let me settle my quarrel with the man who is my enemy."
"I never could consent to that; and besides, I must say that
the fact of your suspecting a certain man as having informed
against you, lends color to the charge. Ballard, you must
join us or die."
Spencer Vance was still calm, and did not betray one particle
of trepidation as he answered:
"I should have been informed of your requirements before I was
permitted to ship with you."
"I made a mistake. I admit that I am responsible!"
"Are you willing to take the responsibility?"
"How can I?"
"Give me a chance for my life.
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