‘It was a few years ago, in France. You had then in your company a young lady whom you called your wife, and to whom, suspecting the nature of your connection with her, I offered my assistance. I afterwards saw you again, when this lady was still in your power, and you were using her as the decoy of a gambling hell.’
Gavrolles was now livid. He saw that his visitor meant mischief, and with an execration he sprang up as if to move to the door. But Sutherland blocked the way with an ominous scowl.
‘Keep your seat! I have not yet done with you!’
‘Monsieur, this outrage——’
‘Bah! do not trouble yourself to seem indignant. You shall hear me out.5
‘I shall do nothing of the kind!’
‘If you attempt to leave this room,’ said Sutherland calmly, ‘I shall thrash you within an inch of your life!’
As he spoke he held in the air a riding-whip, which he appeared to have provided for the purpose.
‘Robber! assassin!’ cried Gavrolles, and he put the table between himself and his visitor.
‘I am neither,’ said Sutherland. ‘I am simply the friend of a lady whom it seems your determination to persecute and destroy. Nor is she the only one of your victims with whom I am acquainted. Have you forgotten Adèle Lambert?’