"I would let you go, aunt, but I am certain I am acting for your own good. And now I want to talk business to you."
"If you do not give me my freedom I do not wish to say another word," answered the lady shortly.
"You must give me the combination of your safe."
"So that you can rob me again, eh? No, I will do nothing of the sort."
Frederic Vernon's face grew dark.
"You had better not defy me, aunt. I am bound to have the combination sooner or later."
"You will not get from me. Nor from Robert, either, I am thinking."
"I will get it somehow."
"Will you send Robert or Mr. Farley to me?"
"I cannot do that--just yet."