"Let her signal," he answered; "I am not your partner, neither am I your dupe."
"Take the two millions," cried Ulster, "and give me these papers."
"I do not bargain with your Grace," answered Nicholas.
"What do you want me to do? I'll resign the Chancellorship, retire, anything!"
"And cheat me of what I bought?"
"If you expose me, you take my life."
"I have taken it, and paid for it such as it is."
"You can't force me to live! I repeat, to live!"
"As you please. If you die, these papers shall be published as a memorial volume. If you disobey me, they shall be published. If you attempt to cheat me, they shall be published. You have sold yourself to me, and I claim you."
Ulster shrank back into his chair, covering his face, and for some time remained in silence. At last in despair he muttered into his breast—