"The letter doesn't seem to be there--which I much regret, but these
visiting cards may be useful in our business; with your permission I'll
take them. Thank you, Mr. Harleston."

He folded the book and returned it to Harleston's pocket.

"I might have looked in your shoes, or done something disagreeable--I
believe I even promised to smash your face when I got the
opportunity--but I'm better disposed now. I shall return good for evil;
instead of tying you up as you did me, I'll release you from your bonds
if you give me your word to remain quiet in this room until tomorrow
morning at eight, and not to disclose to anyone, before that hour, what
has occurred here."

"After that?" said Harleston.

"You shall be at liberty to depart and to tell."

"And if I do not give my word?"

"Then," said Crenshaw pleasantly, "we shall be obliged to bind you and
gag you and leave you to be discovered by the maid--which, we shall
carefully provide, will not be before eight tomorrow morning."

"You leave small choice," Harleston observed.

"Just the choice between comfort and discomfort!" Crenshaw laughed.
"Which shall it be, sir?"