"To be quite honest with you," the latter went on, after a moment's pause, "I have very little faith in our dreadful danger. Admitted that I led the Rajah on a more than doubtful speculation, admitted that Miss Cary went further than she need have done, it is still most unlikely that his injured feelings are going to lead him to such a desperate step as to enter into conflict with the whole Empire. Believe me, Stafford, the idea is ridiculous, and I have not the least intention of throwing up my own hard-won security—"
It was a bad slip, and he knew it. Stafford, who had stood with his face half averted, in an attitude of irresolution, swung round.
"Your security?" he echoed.
Travers shrugged his shoulders. He had made a mistake, but he saw no reason to be afraid of Stafford or of any one in Marut.
"I said 'my security,'" he repeated.
Stafford clenched his fists. The expression on his gaunt, rugged face showed that he had understood the full import of Travers' words.
"You blackguard!" he said under his breath.
Travers turned scarlet.
"Mind yourself, Captain Stafford. You may find yourself outside the door quicker than you care for it!"
"You blackguard!" Stafford repeated furiously. "I haven't a better name for you. You have simply humbugged me with your lies about Lois and your devotion to her—"