"But let it pass; of course you will inform at once!"
"What else can I do?" demanded Dick, sternly.
Miles scrutinised his adversary attentively and speculated whether there was the least chance of frightening such a man. Then he again thrust his hand into the breast of his overcoat, and answered reflectively:
"You can die—this minute—if I choose."
Dick stood his ground without moving a muscle.
"Nonsense!" he said scornfully. "I have shown you that you can gain nothing by that."
Miles muttered a curse, and scowled at the ground, without, however, withdrawing his hand.
"The case stands thus," said Dick: "you have imposed on friends of mine, and I have found you—not a common humbug, as I thought all along—but quite a famous villain. Plainly speaking, a price is on your head."
Miles did not speak.
"And your life is in my hands."