Page:Hornung - Rogues March.djvu/150

130 will kill me, and there’s an end of it! Oh, I am no match for a woman like you. Tell me what you want, and it is yours if I have it. Money? You shall have all I’ve got!”

“Which don’t amount to much,” laughed the other. “No, but I’m glad to see you come to reason. Bothered if I don’t admire your game too much not to want to see it out now it’s got so far. Maybe I can lend a hand; but not for money. Here’s your jewel-box; you’ve got to make your faithful maid a few small presents.”

“Oh, take your choice; only hold your tongue.”

So trinkets rang like sovereigns in their tray, as this vulture picked and chose among them, and clawed first a sapphire ring.

“I’ve had my eye on this ever since I came!”

“Then take it.”

“This coral brooch is another of my favourites.”

“Take it, too.”

“These here earrings that you never wear; you’ll never miss them.”

“Take anything you like.”

“All right, then. Just to finish up, I’ll have the diamond pendant—”

“No! That you must leave.”

“You said I was to take anything I liked.”

“Well, it’s true I hope never to have to wear it again. I shall not want it in my grave, and that’s where I hope to go. Oh! oh! the sooner the better!” And the poor girl broke down completely.

“Stuff and nonsense, miss! And see here,” generously; “all you’ve got to do when you want to wear them is to ask me, and I’ll lend you any one of ’em you