_Bates._ You cannot mean it? _Stu._ I do, by heaven. _Bates._ Good night then. [_Going._ _Stu._ Stay. I must be heard, then answered. Perhaps the motion was too sudden; and human nature starts at murder, though strong necessity compels it. I have thought long of this; and my first feelings were like yours; a foolish conscience awed me, which soon I conquered. The man that would undo me, nature cries out, undo. Brutes know their foes by instinct; and where superior force is given, they use it for destruction. Shall man do less? Lewson pursues us to our ruin; and shall we, with the means to crush him, fly from our hunter, or turn and tear him? 'Tis folly even to hesitate. _Bates._ He has obliged me, and I dare not. _Stu._ Why, live to shame then, to beggary and punishment. You would be privy to the deed, yet want the soul to act it. Nay more; had my designs been levelled at his fortune, you had stept in the foremost. And what is life without its comforts? Those you would rob him of; and by a lingering death, add cruelty to murder. Henceforth adieu to half-made villains--there's danger in them. What you have got is your's; keep it, and hide with it: I'll deal my future bounty to those who merit it. _Bates._ What's the reward? _Stu._ Equal division of our gains. I swear it, and will be just. _Bates._ Think of the means then. _Stu._ He's gone to Beverley's-- Wait for him in the street--'tis a dark night, and fit for mischief. A dagger would be useful. _Bates._ He sleeps no more. _Stu._ Consider the reward! When the deed's done, I have farther business with you. Send Dawson to me. _Bates._ Think it already done--and so farewel. [_Exit._ _Stu._ Why, farewel Lewson then; and farewel to my fears. This night secures me. I'll wait the event within. [_Exit._ SCENE VI. _changes to the street. Stage darkened._ _Enter BEVERLEY._ _Bev._ How like an out-cast do I wander! Loaded with every curse, that drives the soul to desperation! The midnight robber, as he walks his rounds, sees by the glimmering lamp my frantic looks, and dreads to meet me. Whither am I going? My home lies there; all that is dear on earth it holds too; yet are the gates of death more welcome to me. I'll enter it no more--Who passes there? Tis Lewson. He meets me in a gloomy hour; and memory tells me, he has been meddling with my fame. SCENE VII. _Enter LEWSON._ _Lew._ Beverley! Well met. I have been busy in your affairs. _Bev._ So I have heard, Sir; and now must thank you for't. _Lew._ To-morrow I may deserve your thanks. Late as it is, I go to Bates. Discoveries are making that an arch villain trembles at. _Bev._ Discoveries are made, Sir, that You shall tremble at. Where is this boasted spirit? this high demeanour, that was to call me to account? You say I have wronged my sister--Now say as much. But first be ready for defence, as I am for resentment. [_Draws._ _Lew._ What mean you? I understand you not.