At any other time Rivington would have been sick with rage and fear, but he was at the end of his tether. He was faced with the very worst, and had already rehearsed this scene. “Leave us, Bulger,” he said, calmly, “or stay, as you choose. I am not going until I have had some assurance from Mr. Isaacs----” “None! None!” screamed the enraged Jew. “I will not be swindled--oh! you would murder me!” He cowered back in terror, for Rivington had drawn a revolver from his coat pocket. “No--no, Isaacs! Your carrion is not worth a cartridge. I wish you to understand my position exactly. I cannot get the two thousand you want until I have secured Lady Elaine Seabright. Those are my uncle’s own terms. I shall endeavor to make her mine to all intents and purposes within three days’ time. If I fail, I shall put a ball through my brains and cheat my enemies. If I succeed, everybody will be paid in full. I am really perfectly indifferent as to what course you take, though I do not think that you are mad enough to present that bill, well knowing that you kill my last chance by so doing, and at the same time lose every shilling of your money. I am not to be frightened again. Do you not see that I am perfectly calm and indifferent?” He laughed, adding, “here is my antidote,” and tapped the handle of his revolver. “You will either hear of my complete success, or read of my suicide, Mr. Isaacs, within three days’ time. Good-morning. Bulger, you may now show me out. Stay--one moment. It may be possible for you, Isaacs, to assist me in some way. I do not mean by any further advances--oh, no; do not mistake me for an instant--I mean that your brain is so full of infernal cunning that you may think of something that might assist me out of this awful predicament. You see, the lady is unwilling, and has to be persuaded”--he laughed hollowly--“and as you have also a great deal at stake, Isaacs, it is to your interest that I succeed. We are situated in this way. Now, pay attention, and don’t for one moment think that I ever dreamed of shooting you. Lady Elaine Seabright is in London, and will have to be taken before a priest by force to-night. There is no use in further mincing matters and playing with fire, and I have to admit that the undertaking is a most desperate one. A hundred things may happen to upset my plans, but it is my last throw, and if I fail--well, you know what to expect.” He laughed again that strange laugh that struck a chill even into the heart of the Jew. “So help me!” gasped Isaacs. “I believe that he is in earnest this time. He never was but once before, and that was when he signed the bill. He!--he! Bulger, my gentle little clerk, the viscount must succeed, and if he will pay you I will loan you to him. What do you say, viscount? Your corpse is no good to me. I want my money--my money!” Rivington eyed Bulger calmly.