The policeman lifted his club threateningly.
"I don't want to have to use any force with you, my man," he said calmly, but with every evidence of meaning precisely what he said; "but if I must do so, you will find that I know how to use a club with good effect. This woman has sworn out a warrant for your arrest. I have never been sent out yet for a man that I did not take him back with me, dead or alive, and I do not propose to make you an exception to the rule. My record shall remain unbroken. Now, are you ready to go with me quietly, or must I use force?"
"You can use whatever you please," replied Ben, looking over the man's shoulder at Liz; "but before you do it, I have a little debt to settle."
He paused for a moment as though considering, then spoke to Liz:
"So I owe this to you, do I?"
"It was to save Dick's life, Ben," answered the poor woman, hopelessly.
"Oh, was it? Well, I hope, as you have taken so much trouble to save it, you may enjoy it. You have played the devil with me, and I have never allowed any one to do that yet without giving them what they deserved. I am sorry that I have not time to at least allow you one prayer, but it is impossible on this occasion."
Almost before he had ceased speaking, he had drawn a revolver from his pocket, and pointing it at the woman's head, pulled the trigger.
Accustomed as he was to such scenes, the officer had not contemplated such an act upon the part of the man, but Leonie seemed to understand perfectly what was coming.
Perhaps it was the suggestion of fear, since cowardice often makes one more wary than the coolest bravery.