Page:The Prime Minister by Hall Caine.djvu/139

Rh  But it won't. It will prolong it. It is murder.

 [Severely.] Murder or no murder, our Council has decided that it is necessary to be done. It has appointed one of its members to do it, and expects you to help him. And if you don't, if you refuse—do you know what you will be doing? You will be putting yourself into the position of a traitor.

 I can't help that, uncle.

 More than that—you will be putting the other person into the position of a traitor, too.  I can't help that either. [Looking round at ] The man who is willing to commit murder is a murderer, and deserves all that comes to him.  [Rising in anger.] God in heaven, what are you saying? You went out to avenge your people—have you remained to become their scourge?  [Coming down again.] But don't you see how it is, sir? She thinks I am the person appointed. Shall I tell you who it is, Margaret? Shall I? [ catching his meaning, looks round to where is stilt standing in silence by the table, fumbling the white counter.