"This will bring Hugh
Johnstone to me at once!"
"That is all?" stammered Alan Hawke, as he received the document,
respectfully standing "at attention."
"No, not quite all!" laughed Berthe Louison. "Pray continue a career
of judiciously liberal social splendor here, an external 'swelling
port' just suited to a man whose feet are planted upon a financial
rock. But do not overdo it! It might excite Hugh Johnstone's alarm.
Here is five hundred pounds in notes. There will be no accounts
between us."
"And, I am to do nothing else?" cried Hawke, in surprise. "I fear
to have you meet this man alone! He is rich, powerful, and crafty.
The nature of your business, I fear, is that of deadly quarrel.
Remember, this man is at bay. He is unscrupulous. I fear for you!"
The renegade spoke only the truth. For dark memories of Hugh Fraser's
bitter deeds in days past now thronged upon his brain.
"Fear not for me." cried Berthe Louison, springing up like a tigress
in defense of her cubs. "Do you know that his life would be the
forfeit of a lifted finger? Do you take me for a blind fool?" she
raged. "Do you know the power of gold? Ah, my friend, there are
unseen eyes watching my pathway here, and may God have mercy upon
any one who practices against me, in secret! Any 'strange happening'
to me would be fearfully avenged! As for this flinty-hearted brute,
he would never even reach that threshold alive, if he dared to
threaten! Go! Leave him to me.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167