Page:Burton Stevenson--The marathon mystery.djvu/195

171 he turned upon his companion a gaze that glittered coldly.

“I must tell you,” he said in a voice of steel, “that you have not the manners of a gentleman.”

The words brought Drysdale upright.

“Perhaps not,” he retorted hotly; “but neither have I those of a blackguard. I had the good fortune to overhear the infamous threats you made to Miss Croydon”

Tremaine laughed a laugh that was more insulting than any words.

“So you’re also an eavesdropper, a listener at doors? That confirms the statement I have already made. You will make me an apology or”

“Or what?” demanded Drysdale fiercely, rising from his chair with muscles tense.

Tremaine rose, too, deliberately, and faced him with a look so terrible that despite himself he shivered.

“Or take the consequences,” said Tremaine, in a tone all the more threatening because it was very calm.

Drysdale laughed—it cost him something, but he achieved it.

“Very well,” he said contemptuously, “I’ll take the consequences,” and he turned his back upon Tremaine and walked away with an indifference he was very far from feeling.