“I never thought of any,” replied Linton, collectedly. “So much the better, sir. It seems to me frankness is the only reparation you can make for past infamy!” “It may be the only one you will be disposed to ask for,” said Linton, sneeringly. Cashel grew fiery red. To taunt him with want of courage was something so unexpected--for which he was so totally unprepared--that he lost his self-possession, and in a passionate tone exclaimed,-- “Is it _you_ who dare to say this to _me_--you, whose infamy has need but to be published abroad, to make every one who calls himself 'gentleman' shun your very contact!” “This punctilious reverence for honor does infinite credit to your buccaneer education,” said Linton, whose eyes sparkled with malignant delight at the angry passion he had succeeded in evoking. “The friendship of escaped felons must have a wondrous influence upon refinement.” “Enough, sir!” said Cashel. “How came you into the room, since the key of it is in my pocket?” “Were I to inform you,” said Linton, “you would acknowledge it was by a much more legitimate mode than that by which you effected your entrance.” “You shall decide which is the pleasanter then!” cried Cashel, as he tore open the window, and advanced in a menacing manner towards the other. “Take care, Cashel,” said Linton, in a low, deliberate voice; “I am armed!” And while he spoke, he placed one hand within the breast of his coat, and held it there. Quick as was the motion, it was not sudden enough to escape the flashing eye of Roland, who sprang upon him, and seized his wrist with a grasp that nearly jammed the bones together. “Provoke me a little further,” cried he, “and, by Heaven! I 'll not give you the choice or chance of safety, but hurl you from that window as I would the meanest housebreaker.” “Let me free,--let me loose, sir,” said Linton, in a low weak voice, which passion, not fear, had reduced to a mere whisper. “You shall have the satisfaction you aim at, when and how you please.” “By daylight to-morrow, at the boat-quay beside the lake.” “Agreed. There is no need of witnesses,--we understand each other.” “Be it so. Be true to your word, and none shall hear from _me_ the reasons of our meeting, nor what has occurred here this night.” “I care not if all the world knew it,” said Linton, insolently; “I came in quest of a lost document,--one which I had my reasons to suspect had fallen into your possession.” “And of whose forgery I have the proofs,” said Cashel, as opening the deed, he held it up before Linton's eyes. “Do you see that?”