“And I, on my part, refuse to give them to you.”
“Then you are prepared to accept the consequences—eh?”
“Quite.”
“You refuse to release an unfortunate girl from the consequences of a foolish infatuation?”
“She has betrayed me. Therefore I feel myself entirely at liberty to act just as I deem fit.”
“Act as you wish, M’sieur Flobecq, but I warn you that it is at your own peril. I am prepared to endeavour to give you your liberty in exchange for those letters.”
“I have my liberty. I do not wish to bargain for it with you!” laughed the other in open defiance.
“For the last time, I ask you to hand me over that packet.”
“And I refuse.”
“Give the letters to me, I say?” cried Hubert, and, exasperated by the fellow’s demeanour, he sprang suddenly upon him.