Page:The Whisper on the Stair by Lyon Mearson (1924).djvu/161

 “That’s none of your business,” snapped Teck, ugly and out of temper suddenly. “What I want to know is whether you will do as I ask—promise me that you will⸺”

“I will not,” said Val. “Get that idea out of your head. Under no circumstances will I make any such promises.”

“Do you understand that I actually mean to do what I said? That I will⸺”

“I suppose so,” said Val. “I think you’re capable of anything, even that. Why are you so anxious to get rid of me, though? So anxious that you’ll even commit murder⸺”

“Why, you’re in my way, that’s all. Even you ought to be able to see that, it’s so plain. But I’m not going to argue with you any more. I have a great deal to attend to, and I’d better start on it. I’ll be back about noon—you’d better think things over pretty carefully until then, and give me the answer I want.”

“If I’m here by then,” put in Val.

“You’ll be here. Oh, Rat!” he called. A giant of a man showed himself at the door and glared malevolently at Val. “All right,” directed Teck. The guard withdrew. “I just wanted you to know that there is somebody here looking out for you, while O’Hara sleeps. He has orders to prevent your escape at any cost. So don’t try anything queer—take my advice. He’s short tempered, and an occasional bumping-off means nothing in his young life. In fact, between him and O’Hara, I imagine they’d be rather glad of a chance to do you in, to pay you for that rumpus last night. Take it easy while I’m gone, and think it over pretty carefully.”