"I thought you would have taken him on board and tortured him."
Akira drew himself to his full height, which was not very great. Still in his indignation he contrived to look quite imperial. "I am a Japanese gentleman and do not torture anyone. I knew that the cliff would fall as soon as you left the house, and that those behind would be crushed."
"But how could you make the cliff fall?" persisted Harry.
"The Earth-Spirit brought the fall about through its power stored in the Jewel of Go Yojo. Do you understand?"
"No," said the bluff sailor, frankly bewildered.
"Well, then, I can explain no more. You must take it that there was an accident owing to the late rains. The earth fell for that reason. But you are revenged on your enemy. Now tell me all that took place."
Harry did not require much urging, and related everything. Akira listened in silence. "Hai!" said he, when the tale was ended. "This poor wretch was ready to commit a second murder. So much evil we have saved him. Have you the will he spoke of?"
"Yes." Pentreddle produced it from his pocket, but Akira did not offer to take it. In fact, he refused to touch it.
"Give it to Mr. Dane as you have been instructed. I am glad to hear that he will inherit the property. I have a great opinion of Mr. Dane and a better one of the charming young lady he is going to marry."
"I'll give it to him," said Pentreddle; "and now, sir, what is to become of me, if you please?"