Macklyn Morgan seemed to hesitate for a few moments, and then, leaning forward on the edge of his chair and holding up one finger, he suddenly exclaimed:
“There is only one escape for you!”
“And that is——”
“If I abandon the case you may escape. If I drop it there will be no one to push it.”
“And you will drop it?” questioned Merry, with pretended anxiety. “On what inducements?”
“Now you’re coming to your senses,” nodded the man. “Now I fancy you comprehend just where you are. You possess several mines, and they are of considerable value. I have spent some money to get possession of one of those mines, having, as both Milton Sukes and I believed, a good claim to it. I speak of the Queen Mystery. Frank Merriwell, the day you deed over to me the Queen Mystery and give me possession of it I will abandon my determination to prosecute you for murder. I will even place such proofs as I have in your hands and you may destroy them. Of course there will remain the two men who are ready to swear they saw you fire the shot, but they may be easily silenced. That’s my proposition. And it is by that method alone you can save your neck. Now give me your answer.”
“I will!” exclaimed Merriwell suddenly.
And then, with a spring, he seized Macklyn Morgan by the collar. Immediately he ran the man to the door, which he hurled open.
“That is my answer!” he cried, as he kicked Morgan out of the room.