“Look, Bessie,” he said. “This is your uncle’s death-warrant. At present it is valueless and informal, for I have not yet signed, though, as you will see, I have been careful that everybody else should. If once I place my signature there it cannot be revoked, and the sentence must be carried into effect. If you persist in your refusal I will sign it before your eyes;” and he placed the paper on the book and took the pencil in his right hand.
“Oh, you cannot, you cannot be such a fiend,” wailed the wretched woman, wringing her hands.
“I assure you that you are mistaken. I both can and will. I have gone too far to turn back for the sake of one old Englishman. Listen, Bessie. Your lover Niel is dead—that you know.”
Here Jess behind the wall felt inclined to cry out, “it is a lie!” but, remembering the absolute necessity of silence, she checked herself.
“And what is more,” went on Muller, “your sister Jess is dead too! she died two days ago.”
“Jess dead! Jess dead! It is not true. How do you know that she is dead?”
“Never mind; I will tell you when we are married. She is dead, and, except for your uncle, you are alone in the world. If you persist in this he will soon be dead too, and his blood will be upon your head, for you will have murdered him.”
“And if I were to say yes, how would that help him?” she cried wildly. “He is condemned by your court-martial—you would only deceive me and murder him after all.”
“On my honour, no. Before the marriage I will give this warrant to the pastor, and he shall burn it as soon as the service is said. But, Bessie, don’t you see that these fools who tried your uncle are only like clay in my hands? I can bend them this way and that, and whatever song I sing they will echo it. They do not wish to shoot your uncle, and will be glad indeed to get out of it. Your uncle shall go in safety to Natal, or stay here if he wills. His property shall be secured to him, and compensation paid for the burning of his house. I swear it before God.”
She looked up at him, and he could see that she was inclined to believe him.