She remained thoughtful for a moment, then with a gesture which signified: “After all, I shall lay my hands on the girl again. My vengeance is only postponed,” she said: “By the memory of your mother?”
“By the memory of my mother, by all that is left me of honesty and honor, I will throw complete light on the matter.”
“So be it,” she said. “But you and that girl will not exchange a single word apart.”
“Not a word,” he said readily. “Besides, I’ve nothing to say to her that anyone may not hear. Set her free—that’s all I want.”
She gave the order: “Loose the girl, Leonard, and take those ropes off him.”
Leonard’s face wore an expression of strong disapproval. But he was too well-disciplined to protest. He left Clarice and cut the bonds which still crippled Ralph.
Ralph’s behavior was not of the most fitting considering the seriousness of the occasion. He stretched his legs, performed two or three exercises with his arms, and took several deep breaths.
“I like this better,” he said cheerfully. “I’ve no vocation for playing at prisoners. To deliver the good and punish the evil, that’s what really interests me. Tremble, Leonard.”
He turned to Clarice and said: “I beg you to forgive me for all that has happened. It shall never occur again, you may be sure of it. Henceforth you’re under my protection. Do you feel strong enough to get home?”
“Yes—yes,” she said. “But what about you?”