Mrs. Bristow was in an agony of despair. She knew perfectly well that if she suffered her husband to depart with her little hoard there would not be the most remote chance of her seeing it again.
There is an old saying, “Tread upon a worm and it will turn,” and the unhappy wife was an example of this.
She clung to her husband with a firmness which fairly astonished him.
“You shall not take away the money, John. I tell you you shall not have it. Give it me back at once.”
“Get out; don’t talk to me, woman!” exclaimed Bristow. “Leave go, or it will be worse for you.”
“I will not leave go; I will call for assistance.”
He endeavoured to shake her off, but she was wound up to a pitch of desperation, and would not part with him.
He dragged her across the room, and strove to reach the door.
Seeing his intent, she put out all her strength to detain him.
“Let go, I say!” he shouted out, in a stentorian voice.