"Yes," assented Burton, breathing quickly.
"Know then that I love her, Captain Burton, and I wish to marry her."
"Miss Scarse has consented to marry me. You have--oh, damn you, get out, or I'll kick you! How dare you talk about Miss Scarse--about my private affairs?"
The young man was on his feet, furious with rage. It wanted little to make him hurl himself on Van Zwieten; but the Dutchman never flinched, never ceased to smile. "You must give up Miss Scarse to me!"
"I'll see you at the devil first," was the fierce reply.
"In that case I must talk of your private affairs."
"You have done so--you are doing so."
"Not yet. But now--Captain Burton, I hold you in the hollow of my hand."
"What do you mean?" asked the startled Harold.
Van Zwieten bent forward and spoke low for a few moments. When he had finished, Captain Burton's face was grey and drawn and terror-stricken.