"I haven't the smallest objection," said Mr. Poynter. "You see, Mr. Cohen, it is sometimes necessary to put the screw on. Who knows that better than you? There is a material screw, and a moral screw, in this particular case. The material screw is money; the moral screw is an iron safe, of which, as yet, no mention has been made in the newspapers." "Ah," said Aaron. "It is almost a waste of words to speak of it to you, who are so familiar with the circumstances. This iron safe, it appears, was given into your charge when you received the infant into your house in Gosport. You were poor at the time, and from that day you prospered. In a manner of speaking, you became suddenly rich. Well, well, the temptation was too strong for you. You could not resist opening the safe, and appropriating what it contained--undoubtedly treasure of some sort in money or jewels. But, Mr. Cohen, there is an All-seeing Eye." "I acknowledge it. In the event of my refusing your money you threaten to accuse me through the columns of the press of breaking open the safe and stealing its contents." "You have expressed it clearly, Mr. Cohen. The moral screw, you know." "Mr. Poynter," said Aaron with dignity, "I refuse your offer." "It is not enough?" "Were you to multiply it a hundred times it would not be enough." Through Aaron's veins ran the sweet approval conveyed in Rachel's cold clasp upon his hand. "You beggar!" exclaimed Mr. Poynter. "You hypocrite! You defy me?" "You rich man," said Aaron, "you God-fearing man, do your worst." "It shall be done," cried Mr. Poynter furiously. "You are ruined: I will ruin you still more; I will bring you to your knees; you shall lie in the gutter, and beg for mercy! You paragon of sanctity, all the world shall know you for what you are!" "You can use no harsher words," said Aaron. "Relieve me now of your presence." As he said this the communicating door between the rooms opened and Mrs. Gordon appeared on the threshold. "Yes, I will go," said Mr. Poynter; but fell back when Mrs. Gordon advanced.