"Cha-a-ah! I care not!" she screamed, "who hath money, hath many friends!"
"Also," he continued gravely, "it will cost you your life!"
"Am I a fool?"
"No, and therefore you will comprehend that your enemies are legion; you have been the cause of much suffering, and even of death; you will not keep your gain and go free."
"What! do you threaten?" she yelled.
"I believe I can protect you from ambush and assassination, but here poison is a fine art; all who know of her, spit upon the name of Saloo, and whoever rids the world of Saloo, would be well thought of by his fellows. Your days would be numbered—worth about a month's purchase—you must buy your life!"
"Buy it, of you?"
"Yes, in a way—for I am shielding you. Were I to transfer this frightful business to others"—here he struck the ledger before him—"and it is the work of several men—would they be silent?"
She was dumb.
Like all bullies, Saloo was an arrant coward. Moreover, she had no wish to die—as a girl, she had seen one case of poisoning, and it sufficed. Therefore, she succumbed, though her voice still rose loud and shrill; and over each payment there was a protracted struggle.