Preene rose to go.
‘I accept the terms,’ he said, ‘and I’ll do my best. There’s only one way to do it.’
‘When shall I know the result?’
‘By this time to-morrow.’
‘So soon?’
‘Yes. I must strike at once; and when I strike, the blow will either settle Josh or us.’
More than that Preene would not say. He declined to enter into any explanation of his plans.
All that night Marston never closed his eyes; Preene’s words rang in his ears. If he failed! Bah! he wouldn’t fail! He would get rid of Heckett. He would start a false hue and cry after him. He guessed his plan to frighten him out of the country under the idea that the truth was known and he must escape.
He passed the day in an agony of suspense.
He had an appointment with Ruth; he sent the servant round with a note to say important business detained him.