"There is one point I may count in my favour, however," she said; "and that is, he will be hardly likely to reveal the fact that for the last five years he has acted as my agent, and for that reason it will be only possible for him to give his evidence on hearsay."
"He must be prevented from giving it at all," cried Walworth, looking swiftly up at her.
"But how?" she answered.
"A warning would be of no avail, I presume?" I said.
"Not the least," she answered; "even if he took it I should always be in danger of him. In that case I should have to discharge him, and his very life would be a continual menace to me!"
"Is he a married man?"
"No; he is not."
"Has he an extensive business? I mean by that, would his death or departure be the means of bringing misery upon other people?"
"He has no occupation at all, save what I have given him. No. He has idled away his life on the bounty I have paid him for keeping me informed of all that goes on."
"And now he is going to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? The man must be mad to contemplate such an act of folly."