Elspeth lost no time in relating to Kind all that she had heard from Maud, and also confessed that she had promised the girl half her father's fortune if she saved Angus. Sweetlips was rather annoyed that such a promise had been extorted,--which it really had been,--as Miss Tedder certainly did not deserve one single penny.
"However," said the Cheap-jack, "YOU made the promise, and not Mr. Herries, therefore if he refuses, Miss Tedder can say nothing."
"Angus will do what I want," replied the girl, quickly.
"I know that, but you won't want him to reward iniquity, and--"
"Oh, Maud is not so bad as that."
"She's about as bad as they make 'em," grumbled the ex-detective grimly. "To get that money she is quite willing to see her cousin hanged, and is only hedging at the last moment, as she fears lest your father should save him."
"Do you think my father really can?"
"Yes. I know what he is going to say, and it will settle the matter. Therefore Miss Tedder, not having saved Mr. Herries, can expect nothing. Moreover, the fortune will not be your husband's until he discovers the criminal. Oh, there are many reasons why your forced promise to Miss Tedder need not be kept."
"But if she is right in saying that Señora Guzman is the guilty person, she will have done everything towards getting the fortune for Angus."
"So that she may secure half of it, if he is not hanged. And if he escapes, it will be no thanks to her."