“Punishment?”

“Yes; for I shall not let my wrongs go unavenged.”

A crafty light shone in Vane’s eyes.

“Come, I have no hard feelings against you,” he said. “Let us be friends.”

Royal Harding shivered.

“I would as soon have the deadly python for a friend!” he said.

Vane’s face darkened.

“Then you refuse to make up?”

“Do you think I am wholly devoid of sense, Lester Vane?” he said, in a cutting voice. “There can never be anything but hatred between you and I.”

“As you say it, so let it be,” said Vane, with a bitter laugh. “War to the teeth, if you will have it! I would like to speak with the owner of the air-ship.”