"I refuse!" She walked up and down the room in a state of great agitation. "If you were certain that Mr. Beauchamp was alive--if you were certain he had committed that crime, you would not let him escape so easily."
"I would! I would! I am tired of the whole business."
"No, no," insisted the girl; "I don't believe you. If I gave you money, I should only be supplying you with the means to cause further trouble. If my dear father--for I shall still call him so--is alive, I will leave the matter in his hands."
"And hang him."
"And save him," retorted the girl firmly. "You can go, Captain Lestrange. I shall not give you one penny!"
Lestrange made a bound and caught her wrist.
"Take care!" he cried, shaking with rage; "I am desperate--I will stick at nothing. If you do not give the money I want, I shall go to the police!"
"Go! go! I defy you!"
"Little devil!" muttered Lestrange, and he gave her arm a sharp twist.
She screamed for help, and as though in answer to her summons, Alan appeared at the door. With an exclamation of rage he sprang forward, seized Lestrange, and flung him on the floor.