I leaned back in my chair, and regarded him with a cold smile.
"Am I a child, that I speak of what I know not of?" I said.
The look of suspicion deepened upon his face; then there came another, a look of anger.
He spoke: "Show me some proof of that which thou sayest, Sir Thomas; not that I doubt thy word, but this is a matter of importance that thou talkest of, and not to be lightly decided."
"And of what advantage will this be to me?" I asked. "Why should I go to the trouble, if it is to be of no benefit to me?"
He answered me, speaking slowly:
"It is of more importance than thou mayest think; thou art held here by my power; did I but say the word thou shouldst go scot-free. Would that be of advantage to thee? Could I think that the fat rogue played me false, I would soon settle his fate. But why should he do that? It would not be to his advantage, and he knows too well where his bread lies to cut his own throat. His hopes are all based upon me; take me away, and they fall to the ground. No, thou art mistaken, it could not be so."
"Thou hast forgotten that Dunraven is rich and powerful; that he has gold in abundance to reward his servants and tools. He wishes to keep an eye upon thee, as well as myself. Perhaps he thinks that thou mightst become a dangerous rival to him, or mightst be tempted to play him false. What better spy could he choose on us both than Father Francis?" I gazed at him, a smile of triumph upon my face.
He brought down his fist upon the table with a blow that made the glasses ring.