Saltash's smile deepened, became a grimace, and vanished.
"I will tell you when you have answered me," he said. "But whatever you say will be used against you,—mind that!"
"What do you mean?" Dick said.
"Never mind what I mean! Just answer me! Answer me now! Would you have married her under those circumstances? Or would you—have thrown her over—to me?"
Dick's eyes blazed. "You damn blackguard! Of course I should have married her!"
"You are sure of that?" Saltash said.
"Damn you—yes!" With terrific force Dick answered him. He stood like an animal ready to spring, goaded to the end of his endurance, yet waiting—waiting for something, he knew not what.
If Saltash had smiled then he would have been upon him in an instant. But Saltash did not smile. He knew the exact value of the situation, and he handled it with a sure touch. With absolute gravity he took his hand from his pocket.
Fielding took a swift step forward, but with an odd twist of the brows Saltash reassured him. He held out a revolver to Dick on the palm of his hand.
"Here you are!" he said. "It's fully loaded. If you want to shoot a friend, you'll never have a better chance. Mr. Fielding, will you kindly look the other way?"