"No."
"You swore to me he was dead."
"Suppose he didn't die."
"You are wasting your time, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "Of course I understand your motives. You have been extravagant, and wasted your money, hoping to get more out of me. But it is useless."
"You'll be sorry for this, ma'am," said Rugg, angrily.
"I don't think I shall. Before doing anything that you will be sorry for, consider that to a man in your position the income I give you is very liberal."
"Liberal! It isn't one-tenth of what you get."
"Very true, but the case is different."
"You may believe me or not, but the boy is alive, and I know where he is."
Mrs. Middleton did not believe one word of what he said. She was convinced that Tony had been killed by the man before her, and was indignant at the trick which she thought he was trying to play upon her. She felt that if she yielded to his importunity, it would only be the beginning of a series of demands. She had courage and firmness, and she decided to discourage him once for all in his exactions.