"No," he answered. "Had they been cruel men they would not have consented _not_ to harm him. It is not that, Miss Davenal; it is the money itself that is wanted; and the delay vexes them." She was feeling desperate, and she ventured on a bold step. "In their own interest, then, they must be cautious not to harm him. Were they to do so they would lose the money." "Why?" "Because I would never pay it." Mr. Alfred King glanced at her in surprise. All her timid hesitation of manner was gone, the expression of her face had changed to resolute bravery. "I do not pretend to entire acquaintance with the details of this unhappy business, but I understand so much, Mr. King--that this money _purchases_ my brother's safety," she continued. "If that be imperilled, the bargain would be forfeited, and the money retained. The payment or non-payment of this money rests solely with me; and I should not keep faith with the other parties if they did not keep theirs with my dead father." "There will be no question of their not keeping faith, provided they get their rights, Miss Davenal." "And their rights--if you mean the money--they shall have; I trust speedily. I shall be only too glad to get the matter over." "I'm sure I shall be," returned Mr. Kino in a tone that was certainly a hearty one. "It will be well for all parties; _very_ well for Captain Davenal." Sara turned to the door. Mr. Alfred King took up his hat for the purpose of attending her outside. "I am glad that you have allowed me this interview, Miss Davenal. It will be so much more satisfactory to these gentlemen now that I have seen you. Dr. Davenal's death, occurring as it did, was most unfortunate. By the way, did he not leave some papers behind him?" "There are papers in my possession relating to this affair," she answered. "I know what to do with them when the proper time shall come." "Ah, yes, of course; doubtless," came the untrue words in their untrue tone. "Then I may rely on the very speedy receipt of this money, Miss Davenal?" "You may rely upon having it immediately that it is paid to me. That is all, I presume, sir?" Mr. Alfred King could not say that it was not all. He gallantly offered his arm to pilot her through the busy office of Messrs. Jones and Green; but Miss Sara Davenal, with a gesture far more expressive of haughty pride than of gratitude, declined the honour. The interview was leaving a disagreeable impression on her mind, apart from its natural unpleasantness; and perhaps it was unreasonable of her, but she had taken an unconquerable dislike to Mr. Alfred King.