All was accomplished in a very few seconds, and with the brutal energy and determination of one ready to meet opposition with instant bloodshed. Rising, Deland then dragged Nick a few feet from the desk, to which he then turned, seizing his revolver and taking the chair from which the detective had fallen. “Killed him, eh?” he now snarled coldly, fixing his glittering eyes on the ghastly face of the lawyer. “It will be a good thing for you, for both of us, if I have killed him. That’s the only look in we’ve got. If I haven’t done it, blast him, I’ll do it later.” Madison pulled himself together with an effort and straightened up in his chair. He already knew how lawless and desperate a knave confronted him, but his first flush of fear had subsided. “Don’t talk of killing, Deland,” he hoarsely protested. “There has been killing enough--more than enough, God knows!” “And God knows, too, that more may be necessary,” Deland returned, with icy austerity. “Why do you say that? Why necessary?” “For your own safety and mine,” declared Deland, with merciless severity. “That’s a clever question to come from you, Madison, after hearing the accusations of this infernal dick.” “But----” “Oh, I know what he has been saying and why he said it. I have been listening outside of the window and in the conservatory. Luckily the outer door was unlocked and that in the alcove open, so that I could get in noiselessly. But for that, Madison, it might have been all over but the shouting--all over for you but paying the price!” “I shall pay no price for crimes which you----” “Stop right there!” snapped Deland, jerking his chair nearer the table. “You will pay what I dictate for what has been done.” Madison recoiled involuntarily from the fierce, threatening eyes of the vicious rascal. “What you dictate----” “What I dictate--yes!” Deland cut in sternly. “I heard what you finally said to this cursed dick. He had you driven to the wall. You were ready to throw up your hands, to squeal on your pals, to confess the whole business. Do you think I would stand for that? Not much, Madison, not much!” “But he knows----” “I don’t care what he knows. We must prevent him from making use of it.” “Impossible.” “Wait and see! Twice this cursed Carter has foiled my cleverly laid plans, and twice he has sent me to prison. There shall be no third time--not on your life! I’ve got it in for him good and hard. I will send him to the devil on greased rollers. I will send you with him, Madison, if you balk against my demands.” “You are quite capable of it, Deland.” “You’ll find I am.” “What are your demands?” Madison now asked with a growl, apprehending no immediate violence. “What do you mean by that?” “You know what I mean.” “On the contrary----” “You’ll put over no lawyer’s trick on me,” Deland again interrupted. “Cora Cavendish has been out here, hasn’t she?” “Yes. She was here two hours ago.” “Why do you question me, then? She told you what I want.”