"That may come some time," said Fairfax; "but at present my necessities are too great. Oblige me by producing your pocketbook."
"I will give you one hundred dollars, and keep the matter a secret from all. That will be better than to expose yourself to the penalty of the law."
"Colonel Preston, a hundred dollars will not satisfy me. You have eight hundred dollars with you, and I shall not leave this spot till it is transferred to my possession."
"If I refuse?"
"You will subject me to the unpleasant alternative of blowing your brains out," said the other, coolly.
"You surely would not be guilty of such a crime, Mr. Fairfax?" said Colonel Preston, with a shudder.
"I would rather not. I have no desire to take your life, but I must have that money. If you prefer to keep your money, you will compel me to the act. You'll gain nothing, for in that case I shall take both—your life first, and your money afterward."
"And this is the man with whom I dined, and with whom, a few moments since, I was conversing freely!" thought Colonel Preston.
The adventurer became impatient.
"Colonel Preston," he said, abruptly, "produce that money instantly, or I will fire."