"Because I brought him," I said, "to save this lady and expose you. Now, where is your power, and where are the charges you have brought?"
Had he a pistol I believe he would have shot me dead. His ground was cut from under him. The man who destroyed his every hope stood before us all, and refuted his terrible charges. For a minute he stood as if irresolute; then he turned to Miss Forrest and spoke as coolly as if nothing had happened.
"May I claim your pardon, your forgiveness?" he said. "Believe me, lady, it was all because I loved you that I have acted as I have. Say, then, now that all is against me, that you forgive me."
She hesitated a minute before replying; then she said slowly, "It is difficult for me to speak to you without shuddering. Never did I believe such villainy possible; but—but I pray that God may forgive you, as I do."
"Then I will leave you," he said, with a terrible look at me.
"No," I said; "you will not leave us so easily. Know, man, that you are punishable by the law of England."
"How?"
"You are guilty of many things that I need not enumerate here; some Kaffar has told me about, some I knew before. So, instead of my lying in a felon's cell, it will be you."
Then we all received a great shock. Miss Staggles arose from her chair and rushed towards me.
"No, no, Mr. Blake," she cried; "no, not for my sake. He's my only son.
For my sake, spare him."