“Your demand is large.”
“Nay, a mere trifle when compared with the revenues of your estates.”
“Well, well, I will, as I tell you, consider; and I have a fervent hope that our next time of meeting maybe our last, or, at all events, that after that, there need be but one more final interview.”
“Exactly,” said Gray; “it is in your own power, when you please to get rid of me for ever.”
“And the young claimant of all I am now worth?”
“Certainly—a pistol or a knife will get you rid of all trouble upon that head, squire.”
“Certainly, but you ought to do so much for me as part of your bargain,”
“No, no,” said Gray, confused; “I—I cannot—my nerves will not permit me, I really cannot. If you shrink yourself from the deed, why there is Andrew Britton, the savage smith, who revels and rejoices in blood. He will do the deed for you without a murmur.”
“You think then that Britton is the best man I can employ to commit a murder?”
“I do.”