"Yes, I've said enough, and you know the bulk of it's true."
"You may think it is, although it's a poor recompense for all I have done for you. However, I bear you no malice. I have only one request to make."
"What is it?" asked Garry.
"Keep your thoughts to yourself. The law is powerful. There's more than that—in this part of the country I am the law, and I can take it into my own hands without fear of being called to account. You've seen me do it; you know I'm not a man to be cowed, that I do not fear you, or any other man, nor what you say, or do. Listen to me, Garry Backham. There are men round Mintaro who will do my bidding for money, no matter what it is I ask. You know the sort of men, desperate, some of them, the worst of criminals. If I hear any of the lies you have said repeated I will burn your place to the ground, and you with it. You had best keep a still tongue."
Garry knew he was capable of carrying out his threats, and that he had the men to do what he willed. He believed the accusation he had brought, but he had no wish to run into grave danger.
"You'll think about that money, Mr. Bellshaw," he said.
"You mean giving it you, not lending it?"
"Yes."
"It depends upon yourself," was the reply.