"I am ready to do so. And I give you the credit of not believing in my guilt or you would scarcely compound a felony."
"You don't know what I would do or what I would not do," said Enistor coolly, "as you know little of my character. But you are in my power to hang, and hanged you shall be unless you surrender the money. I don't think," ended the man with a sneer, "that your dear friend Eberstein can aid you in this dilemma. What do you think yourself?"
"I think nothing about it," rejoined Montrose decisively. "I have wired to Dr. Eberstein to come over, but——"
"But he has not yet put in an appearance," interrupted the Squire, with a harsh laugh. "And he never will."
"I disagree. When he knows of my peril he will come."
"He knows of your peril without your telling him, if he is the wonderful man you have made him out to be. However, this is an unprofitable discussion. The question is, will you give me the money to save your neck?"
"No!" said Montrose obstinately.
"I shall give you until six o'clock to decide," replied the Squire calmly. "And then, if you still refuse, I shall inform the Inspector about your visit to Narvaez last night. That will mean your immediate arrest and subsequent punishment."
"It will mean the first undoubtedly, but I may escape the second. I trust in God to prove my innocence."
"The age of miracles is past," said Enistor with a shrug, and left the library to again interview the Inspector.