“Undoubtedly!”
“And if it isn’t acceded to, they will kill us?”
“They will doubtless make the threat.”
“Pleasant prospect for us!”
“We won’t contemplate it, just yet. They may gain their point, or we may be rescued; in either case, we’ll be saved from dying!” Elaine laughed. 292 “And, at the worst, I may be able to buy them off—to pay our own ransom. If it’s money they want, we shall not die, I assure you.”
“You would pay what they demand?” Davila asked, quickly.
“If I have to choose between death and paying, I reckon I’ll pay.”
“But can you pay?”
“Yes, I think I can pay,” she said quietly. “I’m not used to boasting my wealth, but I can draw my check for a million, and it will be honored without a moment’s question. Does that make you feel easier, my dear?”
“Considerably easier,” said Davila, with a glad laugh. “I couldn’t draw my check for much more than ten thousand cents. I am only——” She stopped, staring.