"
"Hush!" ejaculated Prince Duncan, in nervous alarm.
Tony Denton smiled with a consciousness of power.
"I have no wish to expose you," he said, "if you will stand
my friend."
In that moment Prince Duncan bitterly regretted the false step
he had taken. To be in the power of such a man was, indeed,
a terrible form of retribution.
"Explain your meaning," he said reluctantly.
"I want another government bond for a thousand dollars."
"But when I gave you the first, you promised to preserve
silence, and trouble me no more."
"I have been unfortunate, as I already explained to you."
"I don't see how that alters matters. You took the
risk voluntarily. Why should I suffer because you were
imprudent and lost your money?"
"I can't argue with you, squire," said Tony, with an insolent smile.
"You are too smart for me. All I have to say is, that I must have
another bond."
"Suppose I should give it to you--what assurance have I
that you will not make another demand?"
"I will give you the promise in writing, if you like."
"Knowing that I could not make use of any such paper with
out betraying myself."
"Well, there is that objection, certainly, but I can't do
anything better.
Pages:
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227