Page:What Will He Do With It? - Routledge - Volume 2.djvu/253

 father-in-law. You will write me a cheque for five thousand pounds--come, I am moderate--your life is worth a precious deal more than that. Hand me the cheque--I will trust to your honour to give me no trouble in cashing it, and bid you good-night-my father-in-law."

As Losely ceased with a mocking laugh, Darrell sprang up quickly, threw open the small casement which was within his reach, and flung from it the paper on which he had been writing, and which he wrapt round the heavy armorial seal that lay on the table.

Losely bounded towards him. "What means that? What have you done?"

"Saved your life and mine, Jasper Losely," said Darrell, solemnly, and catching the arm that was raised against him. "We are now upon equal terms."

"I understand," growled the tiger, as the slaver gathered to his lips--"you think by that paper to summon some one to your aid."

"Not so--that paper is useless while I live. Look forth--the moonlight is on the roofs below--can you see where that paper has fallen? On the ledge of a parapet that your foot could not reach. It faces the window of a room in which one of my household sleeps; it will meet his eye in the morning when the shutters are unbarred; and on that paper are writ these words: 'If I am this night murdered, the murderer is Jasper Losely,' and the paper is signed by my name. Back, sir--would you doom yourself to the gibbet?"

Darrell released the dread arm he had arrested, and Losely stared at him, amazed, bewildered.

Darrell resumed: "And now I tell you plainly that I can accede to no terms put to me thus. I can sign my hand to no order that you may dictate, because that would be to sign myself a coward--and my name is Darrell!"

"Down on your knees, proud man--sign you shall, and on your knees! I care not now for gold--I care not now a rush for my life. I came here to humble the man who from first to last has so scornfully humbled me.--And I will, I will! On your knees--on your knees!"

The robber flung himself forward; but Darrell, whose eye had never quitted the foe, was prepared for and eluded the rush. Losely, missing his object, lost his balance, struck against the edge of the table which partially interposed