"And be hanged, or sliced, or shot, or fried. No thank you. Remember what kind of treatment Tidman met with at the hands of Hwei."
"What. Was he the one-eyed Chinaman?"
"Yes. He's the gentleman, and I hope he won't come your way. He is a beast. But by this time, he and Tung-yu are on their way back to their own land. And now Rupert, I'll say good-bye. As I am poor myself, lacking this ten thousand pounds, rightfully mine, which Lo-Keong detains, I can't help you. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll get Miss Pewsey to extend that mortgage."
"No, thank you all the same," said Ainsleigh, throwing back his head.
"I don't want to be indebted to your wife."
"She is not my wife yet," said Forge significantly.
"But you intend to marry her."
"Yes--yes--quite so." Forge looked queerly at Rupert, as though about to say something. Then he changed his mind and walked away rapidly, without saying good-bye. Rupert returned to the house and told his wife all that had taken place. She was still doubtful of Forge's good intentions.
"A decent man would not marry that wicked little woman."
"Well," said Rupert doubtfully, "from the way he spoke and looked, I think Miss Pewsey marries him and not Forge, Miss Pewsey."