"I will further on."
"Very good. Let me hear what you have to say," taking out a cigar, and striking a fusee he lit it with elaborate composure.
"I succeeded in hiding myself and my child from you and your devilish designs," began Lambert in a voice that vibrated with the anger he could hardly control; "and if I had not been struck down by illness, my girl and I would have been out of your reach at the other side of the world. However, I couldn't carry out my plans, and I know one cannot keep out of sight forever, so I made up my mind to see if we can't come to an agreement. Let us go, and I'll never say a word against you, or meddle in any way."
"Is that all you have to say for yourself?" returned Deering contemptuously. "I thought you had something new."
"So I have! I have found a man who believes my story, and he is a backer not to be despised."
"And he is?" asked Deering, without taking his cigar from his lips.
"Glynn! You know him."
"Ha! and he believes your little romance?"—a look of concentrated fury contracting his brow. "Satisfactory to you; but unfortunately men's beliefs are not evidence. Now I have positive evidence."
"Deering!—you are the most accursed scoundrel that ever disgraced God's earth! Were it not for my child, I'd gladly pay forfeit with my life for the pleasure of killing you."
"I dare say! Knowing my man, I am not such a blockhead as to come here unarmed," and he made a motion with his hand to his breast-pocket.