"I agree to it."
"It is well. But a further difficulty presents itself. I have not so
much money in the world. The estate, perhaps you know, consists mostly
of real estate, stocks, negroes, &c. I have not five thousand dollars by
me."
The overseer looked at Jaspar with a keen, contemptuous glance, as if to
read any attempt on his part to dupe him; but the wily planter moved not
a muscle.
"Then you cannot, if you would, consummate the bargain?" said he.
"I said not so," returned Jaspar. "I only remarked that a difficulty had
presented itself."
"Pray explain yourself."
"The difficulty can be removed."
"Well, how? What new risk must I run?"
"No risk. To tell you all in a few words, I have the money in gold
buried on the estate."
"That will suit me better. I prefer gold."
"It is buried three feet under ground, in the slave jail. I selected
that place to bury it, because I could dig without attracting
attention."
"It can easily be brought to light. An hour's work with the spade will
unearth it."
"True; but I have not the strength to dig.
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