Dick stood upright by Fielding's side, listening to the taunting words with a face that was indeed like a death-mask—save for the eyes that glowed vividly, terribly, with something of a tigerish glare.
He spoke at last with deadly quietness through lips that did not seem to move. "Where have you taken my wife?"
"Oh, she's quite safe," said Saltash; and smiled with a fox-like flash of teeth. "I am taking every care of her. You need have no anxiety about that."
"I asked—where you had taken her," Dick said, his words low and distinct, wholly without emotion.
Saltash's odd eyes began to gleam. "I heard you, mon ami. But since the lady is under my protection at the present moment, I am not prepared to answer that question off-hand—or even at all, until I am satisfied as to the kindness—or otherwise—of your intentions. When I give my protection to anyone—I give it."
"Is that what you came back to say?" said Dick, still without stirring hand or feature.
"By no means," said Saltash airily. "I didn't come to see you at all. I came—to fetch Columbus!"
He turned with the words, hearing a low whine at the door behind him, and opening it released the dog who ran out with eager searching. Saltash stooped to fondle him.
Something that was like an electric thrill went through Dick. He took a sudden step forward.
"Damn you!" he said, and gripped Saltash by the collar. "Tell me where she is! Do you hear? Tell me!"