But I said nothing of the
check which he thought I never detected. The more fool he.
He must have a fine opinion of my business capacity. However,
as the check is only for fifty hounds, he probably thought
that it would escape my notice. Well, you see how I can force
Mrs. Octagon's hand. What do you say?"
Mallow put his hands to his head quite bewildered by the
information.
"You must give me time to think," he said, "but if I
consent--"
"You marry Miss Saxon. I ask no reward for my services. All
I want is to get you out of my way as regards Maraquito. I
will give you the forged check on the day you wed Miss Saxon.
I can see," added Hale, rising, "that you are somewhat upset
with this news, and no wonder. You never thought Basil was
such a scoundrel."
"I thought him a fool, never a knave."
"My dear sir, he is a thoroughly bad man," said Hale
cynically, "though I daresay other people are just as bad.
However, I will give you a week to think over the matter.
Good-night."
"Good-night," said Mallow, touching the bell, but without
meeting the gaze of Hale, "I will think over what you have
said."
"You will find it to your advantage to do so," replied Hale,
and went out of the room at the heels of the servant.
Mallow remained where he was in deep thought. It was terrible
to think that the brother of Juliet should be such a scamp. A
forger and perhaps something else. Here, indeed, was a motive
for Miss Loach to meet with her death at her nephew's hand.
Pages:
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260