“One inch nearer and you receive this in the face,” she said. “And I never miss,” she added, seeing that Schwartz halted.
Of course, I had to move quickly, too; as I passed Rikki’s box I saw him gazing out with such a puzzled expression. It did not occur to me previously that he understands Hindustani better than English, which is a pity, as we never before have had any real excitement like this at Holly Lodge. It was as good as a play to see Schwartz glowering at Minkie, and estimating the effect of a two-pound inkpot if applied to his nose with a velocity of X miles per second. Talk about motor traps and policemen’s stop watches—he made a lightning calculation I can assure you, and it was dead against any forward movement.
“Suppose we abandon hostilities and discuss matters reasonably,” he said, with another violent effort at self-control. “To begin with, I can compel you to hand over my property.”
“It is not your property. You stole it. It belongs to the Kwantu tribe. If I were to act with strict honesty, I should hand it to Prince John.”
Schwartz fell into the net like the silliest bunny that ever ran for a hedge. He assumed instantly that Minkie could be bribed.
“You are too young to judge of such matters,” he sneered. “Moreover, I have only to appeal to your father—”
“You will find him in the dining-room.”
Poor Schwartz! I was beginning to pity him. Even the mongoose saw the joke, and grinned, because we hunting animals know all about bluff—we meet with lots of it down our way. He determined that it was advisable to deal with Minkie herself, which was precisely what she wanted. You see, these rich men think money will buy anything.
“Why New Year’s Day?” he asked anxiously, while I noticed that his collar was limp with perspiration. “Why not to-night? I have plenty of money in notes. And if more is needed, I would never dream of stopping a cheque once it is written.”
“I cannot give you the ju-ju before this day week,” said Minkie. “I have my reasons, and I decline to state them. Nor can I tell you my terms until two or three days have passed. But I want £50 now for expenses. If you have not that sum with you, I can wait until to-morrow or the day after.”