Rust grew deadly pale, but said nothing.
'And I tell you again,' said Holmes, in the same stern voice, 'that your only hope of escaping punishment is in giving up the remaining child, or in giving such information as may lead to his discovery. Do that, and we will show you all the favor we can.'
'Nay, more,' added Harson. 'We will never let it be known what you had to do with it. We'll let it be supposed that the children were stolen, and found. We will keep it quiet, won't we, Ned?' said he, walking up to the lawyer, and laying his hand on his shoulder.
'You've said so, and your promise must be kept,' replied Holmes. 'I shouldn't have made it. But you must decide at once.'
Michael Rust had sat as still as a statue, merely turning his eyes from one to the other, as they spoke.
'Have you done?' asked he, in a voice as quiet and composed as if the threats just uttered had no reference to himself.
'You have heard all that we have to offer,' said Holmes.
'You're very kind,' replied Rust; 'you're very kind; but you don't know Michael Rust. He accepts favors from no man. There, there—go! He values your threats and promises alike; and neither the one nor the other will turn him one inch from his own course, to aid you in your dishonest purpose. It's against his conscience. Good morning. Our interview is ended, I think. I'm sorry to see gray hairs so steeped in depravity.'
'Michael Rust,' said Holmes, turning to him, 'you have sealed your own doom. I'm glad you've rejected our offers, and I now withdraw them. You're unworthy of them; and you shall have no other grace than what the law extends to a felon.'