'By Satan,' cried he--'Mrs. Belmont, as you call yourself, that old gallant of yours is devilish liberal, and there's no reason why I should not come in for a share of his generosity. These diamonds I shall carry off with me, and you can tell him that you were robbed--and so you are; ha, ha, ha! So you're going to Boston after you're married--hey? Well, I'll go to Boston too; and you must always keep me plentifully supplied with cash to insure my silence with regard to matters that you don't wish to have known. I'll leave you now; but listen:--to-morrow I intend to make a grand effort to get Francis Sydney into my power. Does that intelligence afford you pleasure?' 'Yes,' replied Julia, forgetting in her hatred of Sydney, the cruelty of the Dead Man--'yes, it does; give me but the opportunity to see him writhe with agony, and I forgive your barbarous treatment of me to-day.' 'That opportunity you shall have,' rejoined the ruffian--'come, I am half inclined to be sorry for having used you so; but d----n it, 'tis my nature, and I cannot help it. My heart even now hungers after outrage and human blood--and Sydney--Sydney shall be the victim to appease that hunger!' Saying this, he quitted the room, leaving Julia to her own reflections, which were of the most painful nature. The only thought which shed a gleam of joy into her heart, was the prospect of soon gratifying her spirit of revenge upon Sydney, whom she unjustly regarded as the author of her troubles. CHAPTER XX _Frank Sydney in the Power of his Enemies--his incarceration in the Dark Dungeon, with the Dwarf._ The next day after the occurrence just related, Frank Sydney, as was his custom, took a leisurely stroll down the most fashionable promenade of the metropolis--Broadway; this magnificent avenue was thronged with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen, who had issued forth to enjoy the genial air of a fine afternoon. At one of the crossings of the street, our hero observed an old woman, respectfully dressed, but nearly double with age and infirmity, and scarcely able to crawl along, in great danger of being run over by a carriage which was being driven at a furious rate. Frank humanely rushed forward, and dragged the poor creature from the impending danger, just in time to save her from being dashed beneath the wheels of the carriage. She faintly thanked her deliverer, but declared her inability to proceed without assistance. On inquiring where she resided, he learned that it was in Reade street, which was but a short distance from where they then stood; and he generously offered her the support of his arm, saying that he would conduct her home, an offer which was thankfully accepted. They soon reached her place of abode, which was a house of genteel appearance, and at the invitation of the old lady, Frank entered, to rest a few moments after his walk. He had scarcely seated himself in the back parlor, when he was horrified and astounded at what he saw.