my hands. It suits me very well, apart from the criminal side of it, to
hide myself in your house, but that is not all. I am in a position now to
dictate terms, and you have nothing else to do but to listen. I am
prepared to spare your life on one condition. Now kindly follow me
carefully."

"I am listening," the cripple said, coldly. "If you were not the blind
fool you seem to be you would know that there could be no conditions
between us; but go on. Let me hear what you have to say."

"I am coming to that. I want you to tell me where I can find Felix Zary."

Suddenly, without the slightest premonition, the cripple burst into a
hearty laugh. He rocked backward and forward in a perfect ecstasy of
enjoyment; for the moment, at any rate, he might have been on the very
best of terms with his companion.

"Oh, that is what you are driving at?" he said. "So you think that if you
could get Felix Zary out of the way you would be absolutely safe? Really,
it is marvellous how an otherwise clever man could be so blind to the
true facts of the case. My good sir, I will give you Zary's address with
pleasure."

Fenwick was obviously puzzled. Perhaps it was beginning to dawn upon
him that he had a man of more than ordinary intellect to grapple with.
He looked searchingly at the cripple, who was leaning back with eyes
half closed.

"Hang me, if I can understand you," he muttered. "I am in imminent danger
of my life, though I should be safe enough if Felix Zary and yourself