"Then I'll prove it," he continued, in tone of triumph.
"Who will believe you?" asked Mrs. Middleton, quietly.
"Why shouldn't they?"
"You are a tramp, and a discreditable person. Your appearance would be against you. I suspect the boy is one of the same sort."
"No, he isn't. I don't like him overmuch, but he's a handsome chap, looks the gentleman every inch, even if he is dressed a little shabby."
"I should charge you with conspiracy, Mr. Rugg. You'd find it uphill work fighting me without influence and without money. To begin with, how would you get over to England?"
As presented by Mrs. Middleton, certainly the chances did not look flattering.
But an idea occurred to Rudolph, and he instantly expressed it:
"Then, if there ain't no danger from me or the boy, why do you offer me anything to put him out of the way?"
Mrs. Middleton hesitated.