"If you can't see that the tables are turned at last," said Paul slowly, "you're a duller knave than I take you to be."
Marmaduke started back with an oath: "It's a trick," he said savagely; "you want to get rid of me."
"I certainly intend to," said Paul. "Are you satisfied? Do you want proofs—shall I give them—I did just now in the billiard-room?"
Paradine went to Dick and shook him angrily: "You young idiot!" he said, in a furious aside, "why didn't you tell me? What did you let me make a fool of myself like this for, eh?"
"I did tell you," muttered Dick, "only you wouldn't listen. It just serves you right!"
Marmaduke soon collected himself after this unexpected shock; he tried to shake Paul's hands with an airy geniality. "Only my little joke," he said, laughing; "ha, ha, I thought I should take you in!... Why, I knew it directly.... I've been working for you all the time—but it wouldn't have done to let you see my line."
"No," said Paul; "it was not a very straight one, as usual."
"Well," said Marmaduke, "I shouldn't have stopped Master Dick there if I hadn't been on your side, should I now? I knew you'd come out of it all right, but I had a difficult game to play, don't you know? I don't wonder that you didn't follow me just at first."
"You've lost your game," said Paul; "it's no use to say any more. So now, perhaps, you'll go?"