Page:The Whisper on the Stair by Lyon Mearson (1924).djvu/172

 “All right; wait in the next room with Rat until I need you,” Teck told him, and with a look of malevolent hatred at the recumbent figure of Val, O’Hara withdrew to the next room, where he could be heard in low voice converse with Rat.

Teck turned his attention to Val.

“Let’s end this for good,” he said. “I’m leaving town to-night, and there are things I have to do before making my train, so I have only a few minutes to stay with you—much as I enjoy your company,” he said with, heavy sarcasm.

“Oh, Iggy, don’t go,” implored Val. “Stay and play with me for a little while. Tuck me in before you go, anyway.”

Teck frowned. Evidently this man before him did not realize the seriousness of his position; he could not realize that he stood on the brink of the grave—an unknown grave.

“Listen,” he said angrily. “I’ve had enough of this damned foolishness. Never mind the compliments—let’s get down to business.”

“Let’s,” answered Val, a trifle wearily. He felt the need of food and he would have given much for a few drops of water. He stored it all up in his mind for future reference; some day he would make this man pay for his discomfort.

“I want to ask you, once and for all, whether you will do as I ask. No—don’t answer yet—wait till you hear what I have to say before you answer, because it’s going to be the last time. If your answer is no, I intend to leave at once—I am in a hurry. You will be left in the hands of O’Hara and Rat, both of whom would just as soon kill you as look at you—sooner, perhaps. They are to give you an hour of grace; if