"She knows it. Not only this, but Merle went to America months ago charged with a commission from her."
"To kill him?" exclaimed Danny of Melbourne, his face losing every particle of color and his eyes seeming to leap from his head.
"Do you think Merle would cross the sea to serve Belle Demona?" quietly asked the detective.
"He would raze the gates of hades for her," was the prompt reply. "He is her slave and is under her thumb, as I have been under his for years."
"Then you shall soon escape," said Old Broadbrim. "He will soon cease to lord it over you. Keep a still tongue in your head and you are safe. But you must go with me."
"Whither?"
"You must go to the high sheriff and remain with him till I see you again."
"I see. You are not Riggs. You are the man-hunter from across the sea."
Old Broadbrim merely smiled.