[Deorlin]

Jasper's beady dark eyes gleamed at the sight of the coins laying in his hand. Money was always welcome, as his parents kept him on a very tight purse string indeed since that last little caper in Bree. He never did quite understand his family's way of thinking - that money must be come by through hard work, sweat, and honest labor in order for it to be worth having.

Well, he'd had enough of their philosophy; had it crammed down his throat throughout his boyhood. But he knew, he understood just how easy it was to take the "hard-earned" profits of others and convert them to his own uses. No harm in that. In fact, it's just what all those "respectable" types did actually - try to make profit from others' foolishness or greed or sufferings. Look at this Lobelia character - what a fine piece of work she was! Trying to upset a party! A party! Well, it wasn't for him to wonder at the wickedness of others, as long as they threw coins his way, and the task was not too fraught with danger.

Thinking along those lines, he asked Evelina,"So, we're to set upon these halflings, and steal their goods? Don't sound like much of a challenge ter me." His tone took on a note of superiority, a sure sign that he was concerned about protecting his own hide from bodily injury. "How's it all gonna go then? I mean ter say, will it be at night, while they're sleepin', or sumfing?"

Evelina looked at Jasper, a slight grimace of disdain passing over her features, but hidden in the darkness.

"Well, boys, this is what I've cooked up . . ."