He brought with him a stone pitcher, containing water and a loaf, which he placed on the ground, and then eyed Blodget with a look of the most malignant exultation.
Blodget sprang to his feet; fury gleaming in his eyes, and advancing towards Gordon, he cried, in a hoarse voice:—
‘Dastard!—why am I thus seized and made a prisoner in this dismal place?’
‘Recollect your recent conduct,’ said Gordon coolly, ‘and you are answered.’
‘And what authority has either he or you for detaining me?’ demanded Blodget.
‘Upon that point I dare say you will be satisfied at a future time,’ returned Gordon, in the same deliberate and careless tones.
‘But you will not dare detain me?’
‘That has to be proved.’
‘Villain! you will have to answer dearly for this,’ said Blodget.
‘Previous to which,’ retorted Gordon, ironically, ‘you will probably be called to a slight account for the abduction and unlawful detention of the lady, also for a certain crime since, and—’