‘How often did he come here at first?’
‘Every day,’ said the girl.
‘And now?’
His daughter was silent; for she began to see the drift of this cold examination, and it sent a chill to her heart.
Rust was satisfied; and he said in a half-musing tone: ‘The same stale, hackneyed story. She is on her way to where the first misstep always leads. Already he is wearied, and wants but an excuse to fling her off; and I—I—I—her avenger,’ exclaimed he with a burst of fierce impatience, ‘I am shackled; a prisoner, and can do nothing!’
He made a hasty step to the door, opened it, and beckoned to the officer to come in. As he did so, he shut it after him, took the man by the arm, and drew him to one end of the room:
‘I want a week,’ said he, in a quick tone. ‘I’ll give a thousand dollars to gain one week; and at the end of that time will surrender myself a prisoner.’
The man shook his head: ‘It can’t be done, Sir,’ said he.
‘What’s the reward offered for my apprehension?’
‘A cool five hundred,’ replied the officer.