Page:The Whisper on the Stair by Lyon Mearson (1924).djvu/147

 How can you say so, my dear fellow? I, the kindest hearted of men! Really, you know, it hurts me to have you say such things of me. All you have to do is to promise what I ask—then I’ll give you all the water you want, and your freedom. It isn’t much to ask.”

“I’ll see you in hell first, you snake,” said Val, pleasantly, smiling though his throat felt the need of water now more than before, having seen the relish with which Teck drank his glass. “Did you think it would be as easy as that?”

The other shook his head. “No, I was afraid it would not be as easy as that. However, you may come to your senses yet. In the meantime, I feel the need of a couple of hours sleep myself—it’s almost daylight. When I wake you can tell me your decision.”

“I’m telling it to you now, Iggy,” replied Val. “Nothing doing.”

Teck shook his head again, but said nothing. He threw himself down on the bed and went to sleep immediately.

In a few moments Val was asleep, too.