"And you believe he will be able to supplant the present incumbent?"
"I know he will!"
"Ah, well, I shan't despair. You may close the Pit now, but it can also be opened again after the contests. And what of these other prisoners?"
The woman laughed defiantly.
"They shall have their chance, too! Virty, I don't often question your decisions, do I? But this time I wish you to close your ugly old Pit and," with a glance of disdain, "not oblige Clever by reopening it."
Mr. Virtue glanced very dubiously toward the thin-lipped man. He appeared not at all enthusiastic. Mercy scowled.
"Don't forget me, please, Virty! I've a very personal interest in this execution, and even Lovely shan't do me out of it!"
"Oh, shut up, Mercy," broke in the woman impatiently. "I can imagine what your interest is. You're afraid this girl's brother won't let you have her. But the law is the law and they have their contest right. You never think of any one but yourself Virty, turn these people loose and I'll be responsible for their appearance Wednesday."
"Cleverest, are you going to stand for this?" demanded Mercy angrily.
But Cleverest, who had himself been eying Viola, now smiled a strange, fox-like, tight-lipped smile.