"It is too large a price," grumbled the barrister. "Large or small, it is what I want."
"I'll give you one thousand a year if you----"
"Two thousand."
Hench looked at Vane and Vane at Hench, as both were uncertain how to act. A very difficult question had to be threshed out. Owain was unwilling to pay blackmail, yet if he did not there was bound to be trouble. If he did he was quite certain that Spruce could clear his character. For an honourable man the position was very trying, but there seemed to be only one way out of it.
"Very good," said Hench with an effort. "You must have your price, Shylock, as my life and liberty are more to me than money, and there is no denying but what you have me in a cleft stick. I promise to give you two thousand a year if you remove all danger from me of being accused."
"I can do that."
"Then you know who murdered my uncle?"
"I do. Madame Alpenny is guilty, as you thought. But I alone can prove her guilt. I have your promise in Vane's presence to give me the income?"
"Yes," said Hench with another effort, for he hated giving way thus ignobly to this scoundrel. "You have my promise."
"You hear, Vane? I shall call you as a witness in case of non-payment."