[CHAPTER LIII.]
For a moment it seemed as though the darkness of death had come over Ida.
"My revelation surprises you," Royal Ainsley said, with a most horrible laugh.
The laugh and the words recalled her to her senses. She sprung to her feet and faced him.
"Where is my child?" she cried, wildly. "Speak, for the love of Heaven, I pray you."
"It will cost you just another thousand dollars to find that out. Bring me that amount here to-morrow night at the same hour, and I will give you full information. Isn't that fair enough?"
Pleadings and prayers were alike unavailing.
"Do you suppose I am going to tell you for nothing, when I can make you pay handsomely?"
"But I haven't the money," she sobbed, "and—and you know it!"