"But, Mr. Flurscheim," said Guy, "you do not seem to comprehend, I——"
The situation trembled on the verge of farce. The Jew's eyes twinkled with amusement, but he grew grave as he saw Captain Marven's haggard face.
"Let me explain, Mr. Hora," he said. "A few days ago your man Jessel gave me information of this miniature being in your possession. That same afternoon while I was planning how to punish you, I fell overboard and you saved my life. Now, you tell me, you were the actual robber of the picture and other little articles. Well, in return you presented me with something I value still more. Shall we call it a deal, and shake hands on it?"
Guy could barely see the outstretched hand. A mist was before his eyes.
"Anyhow, I can appreciate your generosity," he said, as he and the Jew grasped hands, "and perhaps, if I could have restored you the articles I have stolen, I might have listened. But there is another concerned. I must share the penalty he will have to pay."
"There may be a hundred concerned. I'll not trouble any of 'em, if I should hurt you by so doing. Come, Mr. Hora, say it's a deal. Don't think you're accepting a favour. It's all the other way about, so you needn't let your pride stand in the way."
"Pride!" remarked Guy. "My pride has gone before my fall." He was silent. A few hours previously he would eagerly have accepted Flurscheim's offer, but since he had read Hora's letter to Captain Marven, the whole position was changed. Lynton Hora was no longer worthy of consideration. There was no tie of blood between them. Hora had deliberately deceived him, poisoned his mind, robbed him of parents and honour and love to gratify the malice in his heart. Guy could not think of sparing him. There could be no treachery where so deeply dyed a traitor was concerned.
"You'll say it's a deal?" asked Flurscheim again.
Captain Marven intervened. "Perhaps it will be best to explain the whole of the circumstances to Mr. Flurscheim," he said quietly. "I know that he will treat the family matters involved as purely confidential."
Flurscheim listened while Captain Marven deliberately laid before him the facts. "You see," he added quietly, when he had finished the story, "that this matter cannot remain a secret between us. This letter must be laid before my chief."