Hugo laughed scornfully.
"Thank you for nothing," he said; "why should I leave the country?"
"Because you will otherwise be charged with instigating the murder of your cousin, known as Robert Rudd."
"Humph! No one will credit it. Besides, you will have to admit that you killed him."
"You are mistaken again. He is not dead."
"Not dead?" echoed Hugo, turning pale and sinking into a seat.
"No, he is as much alive as you or I, but I am prepared to swear that you hired me to kill him."
"Villain! you deceived me!" exclaimed Hugo, furiously.
"I feel less a villain than if I had compassed the boy's death."