"Oh, you shall be rewarded," said Balkis, blandly. "I don't believe you loved Walter after all."
"No. I love Frank here, but since he will not marry me, let him give me the same sum as he gives my uncle."
"That means I have to pay ten thousand a-year," said Frank.
"Out of forty thousand. It's cheap at the price."
"I refuse to allow this," said Darrel, loudly. "Balkis, you are my relation. Stand by me."
"Ah! you remember I am of your blood when you want me," said the negress, bitterly. "Well, I shall do what you wish."
"Then I wish this," said Darrel, strong in this support. "Do not let any of these people leave this place alive till I get what I want. Lancaster must be hanged, I must marry Mildred Starth, and I must have twenty thousand a-year given to me."
"Very modest you are! murmured Jarman; while Tamaroo, glancing at Balkis, smiled slightly.
"What about us?" asked Berry and Fan.
"I will see that you have money also," said Darrel. "I am master of the situation now."