"Where is your proof?"
"You've got the dollars."
She played a bold stroke. "Ignorant that the money was paid under false pretences. It shall be given back."
Strange turned white and jumped up. "My share!" he cried.
"I know nothing of your share. Apparently, Dr. Demetrius, who happened to--to--er--admire me, kidnapped my husband in order that I might think myself free to marry him,--a thing," said Lady Jim, with scorn, "which could never--never have occurred. It seems that my husband was taken away by you and Dr. Demetrius against his will. I shall communicate with him, now that I know he is alive. Oh, I assure you, search shall be made, Captain Strange, and the money--every penny--shall be paid back to the defrauded insurance company. As for you--blackmailing hound and bully and coward, the law shall punish you;" and she, daring greatly, was again about to touch the bell.
Several times during this clever explanation Strange had gasped and sworn softly, almost helpless with rage. But by the time she ended his anger had cooled, and he was regarding her with profound admiration. Her astonishing boldness, her dexterous turning of facts into fiction and fiction into facts, and the unbroken nerve which she displayed when at bay, commanded his respect. Unknowingly he fell into line with M. Aksakoff, and rendered homage to superior wickedness.
"Don't shoot, colonel, I'll climb down," said he, collapsing.
Lady Jim, knowing the old 'possum story, laughed and withdrew her hand, secretly relieved that he had not dared her to press the button. "Ah, now you talk reason, Captain Strange."
"You bet I'm goin' to," he retorted bluntly. "Y've played your hand fur all you're worth, an' mighty prettily bluffed it is. But I guess"--he swung back in his chair largely--"I guess I hold the ace."
"You do?" She eyed him uneasily, for he appeared to be much cooler than she approved of. "And the ace?"