“Penruddock?” he said. “Penruddock and Bob Easterley: curse him and curse the little beggar!” And then he gave a nasty laugh. His voice was thick, like the voice of a man half stupefied with drink or suffering from active brain disease. I thought at first that the name Penruddock had awakened no recollection in his mind, but that he mistook it for the name of a man. Since then, however, I have thought that perhaps “the little beggar” was the boy that he was cruel to, and that the name of Penruddock had reminded him of the matter. Anyhow he turned and looked steadily at me and said slowly, “Oh, so the governor has got you; I wish you joy of the governor.” And then he laughed a coarse, harsh kind of laugh. It was not loud, and there was not much expression in it, but what there was was cruel. Then he made as if to pass us, and we let him pass: there was nothing to be got out of him. I am not absolutely sure to this day whether he was James Redpath or not. That night Jack and I talked long and earnestly. I told him as I have told you my latest thoughts about the matter, and then we talked of our engagements for the coming day. _Wilbraham._ There’s a crisis near, Bob. It is as likely to come to-morrow as not. _Easterley._ How do you think it will come? _Wilbraham._ Well, this way. Davelli, I think, overrates the power that he has contrived to get over you. The disappointment you speak of, and your distrust of him and resolve against him have somehow checked the effect of his action on your will, and he does not know that. Not knowing it, he will reveal some villainy to you to-morrow. You will revolt and he will try to kill you. If you are on your guard you may escape yet. The minute you defy him shoot him through the body. _Easterley._ What harm will that do him? _Wilbraham._ Not much, but some. Did you notice what he said yesterday? _Easterley._ Yes, and he was telling the truth. The shot would probably send him to his own place, but he will be back again presently. _Wilbraham._ Yes, but meanwhile you will have got a start, and if you are in one of the cars and can manage it you may escape. _Easterley._ Not very likely; but supposing I did, what is to become of you? _Wilbraham._ I shall be working for myself all the time. Look here: this fellow who is to guide me will either try to kill me or to put me in the way of killing myself. I believe that he has instructions to that effect. I’ll watch him, and if I see any treachery I’ll send him to his own place and make off if only I can manage the car. For I intend that he shall take me into one of the cars. Then I will try to join you and we shall have perhaps a start of an hour or so before they get back and make ready to follow us. I didn’t see much chance of success in his plan. You couldn’t look at it anywhere, I thought, without finding a flaw in it, and I told him as much. “Never mind,” said he, “it is the unlikely thing that happens: let us be on the watch.”