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Rh as you say, in my way. You failed in the second plot as you failed in the first. Tell me exactly where you lay the blame for the failure of the plot. Speak plainly and fully. I do not like vagueness of language. No doubt it was you that put the money in my way. I do not believe you when you say that you put anything else in my way. You are too great an adept at lying. Nobody can believe a thing from you unless his own very eyes see it. Tell me the truth."

"I tell the truth sometimes," said the Black Man, "and I will tell it now. I will tell it to you in such a way that your own very eyes will see it. I like to tell it to you, because I know you won't like it very well. I expected that the money would drive you astray, as it drives every one astray who gets it, almost. I expected that I should have you soon without putting myself to much trouble about you. When I found you at the fair going to buy the horse, I thought I had you at once. I thought your tune was played, almost before it had been begun. When I saw you going away without making the purchase I wondered what was the matter with you. I insulted you before the people to see if you would return and pay the money. You did not return. You bent your head and went off with yourself like a mean dog"

"I understand," said Shiana, "go on."

"There is a young woman west there," said the Black Man, "and from the day she was baptised up to the present day, I have failed utterly to bend or to move her will or her mind. Whatever hindrance I put in her way she never stumbles over it. She was coming home from the town