"I was married," said Paslow, as Beatrice shrank back with a cry of amazement, and, as Vivian thought, of anger; "but my wife is dead."
Ruck shrugged his shoulders. "So you say!"
"So Durban says--so this death certificate says. I heard all about my wife's illness, as I went to the house where she died. I have seen her grave, and the doctor gave me this." He held out a certificate to Beatrice. "Do you not believe me?"
"It is so strange," she murmured, taking the paper, and glancing at it in a scared manner.
"And so untrue," said Major Ruck coolly.
"You lie!"
"I am not accustomed to be told that I lie," said Ruck, and his eyes narrowed to pin-points.
Paslow turned his back on him contemptuously. "I care very little for that," he said. "You and your creatures betrayed me into difficulties, for which I have suffered bitterly. But now I am free, and you can harm me no longer."
"Don't be too sure of that, Mr. Paslow."
Beatrice saw Vivian wince, and came forward. "Whatever Mr. Paslow has done," she said, with dignity, "I am certain that he is an honourable man."