"I accept," said Herman, in a husky voice.
"But we must have some pledge for your fidelity—"
"Have you not pledge enough," said Herman, bitterly, "if you know the events of that night—"
"True; but we require some other little pledge in the way of collateral—as the money lenders say"—said the unknown, who had designated himself as "the Third of the Three." "In the event of a certain contingency—a very improbable contingency,—you will inherit one seventh of the Van Huyden estate—"
Herman gave a start;—he moved forward suddenly, but was drawn back against the pillar by the strong grip of Dermoyne:
"The Van Huyden estate!" he ejaculated in a tone of utter astonishment.
"I said the Van Huyden estate," continued the Third of the Three,—"and that should satisfy you that I know all about it. In witness of your good faith, you will to-morrow make over to us, by our own proper names, and over your own proper signature, all your right, title and interest in the Van Huyden estate. The final settlement, you know, takes place the day after to-morrow. In case you act faithfully to us, we will restore you your right on the day when, by your assistance, we have foiled the heirs of Anreke Jans. The good counsel which I have for you is this:—accept this proposition at once, if you know what is good for your health, your reputation, your liberty."
The words of the Third of the Three were succeeded by a dead pause. It was dark, and the changes of Herman's face could not be seen. A sound was heard, like a half-suppressed groan.
"And if I refuse?" he faltered—"if I cast your absurd proposition to the winds?"
"Then the revelation of the event of that night, may cast you to the devil," was the calm reply.