The "Dock Rats" of New York; Or, The Smuggler Band's Last Stand

"[...] "I can't play no tricks on the gal! no, no, she's got perfect confidence in me, and I would not betray her confidence, not even for two thousand dollars in gold! And I'm a poor man, sir, very poor, and I'm old and getting feeble!" "I'll tell you what we can do, Tom; you can bring her to New York to visit me." "Yes." "And then we may be able to persuade her to remain." "I'll think it over; but see here, why is it you are so anxious to get possession of the girl?" "I do not wish to see one so lovely and beautiful living in such a miserable condition." "See here, Garcia, do you mean that girl harm?" "Why, old man, what could prompt you to ask that question?" "Well, I'll tell you, you're so anxious; 'tis just come over my mind that you don't mean just what's right. Now, see here; it wouldn't do for you to mean any harm to Renie. I'd follow, any man who would harm her to the very death!" As the old smuggler spoke he drew his knife front his belt and laid it on the table in a suggestive manner. "You can trust the girl with me; but where is she, to-night?" "Can't tell, sir; nights like these she likes to roam the beach; she's a strange girl, sir, but I'd never have any harm come to her!" "Will you consent to bring her to New York on a Visit?" "I'll think the matter over, and—"[...]".