But Vinal at last was brought to bay. Threats, which Speyer thought irresistible, had lost their power. He threw back the paper, and said desperately, "Do what you will."
Speyer made a step forward, and faced his prey.
"Will you give me the money?"
"By G—, no!"
"By G—, you shall!"
And Speyer seized him by the breast of his waistcoat.
Vinal had been trained in the habits of a gentleman. He had never known personal outrage before. He grew purple with rage. The veins of his forehead swelled like whipcord, and his eyes glittered like a rattlesnake's.
"Take off your hand!"
The words were less articulated than hissed between his teeth.
"Take off your hand."