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 and studied it for an instant, like a lecturer preparing to speak by the dial.

"Minute begins now," he announced. The ticking sounded at once loud and distant.

"You don't dare to, in this hotel." Owen managed to speak calmly.

"Don't I?" retorted Borkman. "Wait and see. I'll put the revolver beside you, leave this good-bye chit for the girl—you know how well I do your handwriting: wish there were time to read you my bit of composition—then go out by the verandah, bolt the shutters in the same way that I unbolted them. No one else on your floor. Clear case, eh? Felo de se?" Grinning, he bent towards the watch. "Half-time. Anything to say?"

"I give you my word of honour," said Owen, slowly, "that I've never seen the stone, that I haven't it now, and that I don't know where it is."