Quickly Madge Scarlet bent over the prostrate and helpless victim of her cunning, and began binding his limbs with a stout cord that she had brought with her for the purpose. In a little time the work was completed, and Mrs. Scarlet stood up with her arms akimbo viewing her work, a satisfied smile playing about the toothless lips. "I'll peel you, so't there'll be no deception hereafter," muttered the she fiend; and suiting actions to words, she tore the disguise from the detective's head and face and flung it aside. "Thought to fool the old woman, eh?" A curdling laugh followed. After gloating over the detective for some time, Madge Scarlet picked up her lamp and turned away, a feeling of intense satisfaction in her heart at the knowledge that she had her enemies so completely at her mercy. It was satisfaction for one day at least. The woman passed through two basement rooms, unlocking and locking doors, until she at length stood in the presence of Nell Darrel. "I ain't here with supper, madam," sneered the woman, as Nell started up and approached her. "You're not to have a mouthful to eat jest at present; that's the compliments your husband sends." But Nell did not seem to appreciate the gross wit of her keeper. "I am not hungry, woman, but I appeal to you to permit me to go from this place. I shall die here in a short time." "Die then! Nothing would please me better than to witness your last struggles," and Mrs. Scarlet emitted a laugh that was horrible to hear. Nell had much of the determined spirit of her daring brother in her composition. She was not yet ready to give up all hope and fall crushed in despair. Her right hand grasped the butt of the little derringer she had been thoughtful enough to provide herself with before leaving home. "Will nothing move you, woman?" "Nothing," sneered Mrs. Scarlet. "Your brother sent my husband to a dungeon, and to his death, and for that and other wicked work of his, I mean to be avenged. I shall cause him to suffer through his sister. You imagine the handsome Elliston a monster, I reckon, but _I_ will show you that he is but a child compared to Madge Scarlet." "Stop; I do not care to listen to you. Please hand over the keys to this den of demons." A cocked pistol was brought forward to emphasize the fair prisoner's demand. A sneering laugh answered the girl's demand. Madge Scarlet did not seem to look upon the weapon as a dangerous one. "Quick! I have no time to parley. Fling down the keys--toss them to the door yonder, then take your place in yonder corner. Do you hear me?" So stern was the girl's voice, so full of intense meaning, as to amaze the infamous woman who confronted her. "This is all a joke----." "It will prove a dear joke to you if you don't obey. Stop. One step toward me and I fire! I am in deadly earnest."