"Either that, or your sister will reap the reward of her crime, and our name will be dishonoured for ever."
"Think of your name alone," she said, imploringly; "you will save her?"
"On the condition I mention. I don't care for the name, I only care for you. Why will you not marry me? You think of the Australian; he can be nothing to you. Would you marry the man who is hunting down your own flesh and blood; and would he marry the sister of a woman whom he knows is a murderess? Think again. I will save your sister and our family honour--on that one condition--you must be my wife."
"If not?" she asked, defiantly.
"Events must take their course. I will not interfere. If you marry me you will have an honoured name, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have saved your sister. If you refuse, you will lose your honourable name, your sister, and not even gain your Australian lover in return."
"Mercy!" she cried, falling at his feet.
"No!" He stood above her, calm and pitiless, stroking his beard.
"I will give anything but that," she murmured.
"I can accept nothing else."
"You are a devil!"