'No, Louis; I mean to insinuate nothing. Can't you see a joke?'
'I cannot,' said Ravengar. 'Not that variety of joke.'
'The appreciation of humour was never your strong point.'
Something in Hugo's manner made Ravengar spring forward; then he checked himself.
'Owen,' he entreated, 'don't let's quarrel again. I beg you to help me. Help me, and I'll promise never to interfere with you in your business—I'll swear it.'
'Then it was you, after all, that instructed Polycarp?'
Ravengar gave an affirmative sign.
'I meant either to get hold of this place or to ruin you. Remember what I suffered—in the old days.... You see I'm frank with you. Help me. We're neither of us growing younger. I'm mad for that girl, and I must have her.'
Hugo put his hands into his pockets, and consulted his toes. This semi-step-brother of his somehow aroused his compassion.
'No, Louis,' he said; 'I can't.'