were out of the way."

"And you are quite capable of putting us out of the way," the cripple
said, gently. "Is not that so, my friend?"

"Aye, I could, and I would," Fenwick said in a fierce whisper. "If you
were both dead I could breathe freely; I could go to bed at night feeling
sure that I should wake in the morning. Nothing could trouble me then. As
to that accursed mine, I have done with it. Never again do I plant my
foot in Mexico."

"Fool that you are!" the cripple said in tones of infinite pity. "So you
think that if Zary and myself were out of the way you might die
eventually in your bed honored and respected of men? I tell you, never!
The vengeance is upon you, it is following you here, it is close at hand
now. You have already had your warning. Perhaps, for all I know to the
contrary, you may have had your second warning; that you have had one,
your face told me eloquently enough a few moments ago. I am quite sure
that a little quiet reflection will show you the absurdity of keeping me
a prisoner in my own house. Of course, I know I am entirely in your
hands, and that you may keep me here for weeks if you choose. It will be
very awkward for me, because I have important business on hand."

"I know your important business," Fenwick sneered. "Everything that goes
in your favor will naturally spell disaster to me. As I told you before,
it was only an accident that told me where you were; indeed, so changed
are you that I should not have recognised you if I had met you in the
street. No, on the whole, you will stay where you are."

At this point Venner clutched Gurdon's arm and dragged him hurriedly