“No,” said Ralph, who was sick with pain, and faint from the throbbing caused by his bonds.
“But it would be a pity for my father to have you hung as a scarecrow,” said Mark mockingly. “I don’t like to see such things about. What do you say to going down to work always in our lead-mine?”
“Nothing,” said Ralph coldly.
“Better to live in the dark there, on bread and water, than to be killed.”
Ralph made no reply, but gazed fixedly in the speaker’s eyes.
“Better beg for your life, boy,” said Mark, placing his foot now on the prisoner’s chest.
“What! of you?” cried Ralph.
“Yes: I might make you my lackey, to wait upon me. That is what the Darleys should do for the Edens.”
“You coward!” said Ralph, with his pale face flushing now.
“What!” cried Mark. “Oh yes, call names like a girl. Come: beg for your life.”