"You can understand what you please," Hefferom said. "I want my money back, and I want big interest. And then there's the girl. She should be standing at this moment in your shoes. Half of the Little Anna Gold-Mine is hers by right. It is for you to say what it would be worth your while to put down to close this business." "Now," Deane remarked suavely, "you are talking common sense. But what I should like to know is, where is this wonderful title-deed?" "Oh, d--n you, it's in the fire, I suppose!" Hefferom cried. "You and he know. Rowan's your man, and he's the sort to die game. But he didn't kill Sinclair for nothing. I wouldn't mind betting that that deed has been burnt to ashes, but even then, I know a little too much, eh?" Deane shrugged his shoulders. "You know a great deal too much," he said. "I am to understand, then, finally, that you want me to buy your silence?" "Put it that way if you choose," Hefferom answered, "only I warn you that I haven't come here on a child's game. This is a big business,--a big business for me and for the girl. She must have her share, and I mine." "And the amount?" "One hundred thousand pounds. Remember that it has to be divided." "In other words," remarked Deane, "I am to buy your silence as to these matters upon which you have spoken, for the sum of one hundred thousand pounds?" "It is too little," Hefferom declared. "The mine is worth ten times as much--the mine and your position." "If I give you this sum," Deane asked, "do I understand that it closes the whole affair? You must remember that I do not admit having even seen this deed you spoke of. Supposing it turns up in somebody else's hands?" Hefferom laughed ironically. "We'll guarantee you against that," he declared. "That's easy to say," Deane objected, "but I don't see how. Come, I will be perfectly truthful. I haven't got that deed. If it should be still in existence, and be used against me after I have paid you this sum of money, I should be in somewhat an unfortunate position." "There isn't the slightest fear of it," Hefferom said. "Besides--" "Besides what?" Deane asked, looking up from his desk. "It isn't as though the deed were a certainty," he said slowly. "Of course, the law is a little complicated. There would be witnesses on both sides, and the case might go anyhow." "It would depend a little, I think," Deane said quietly, "on which side you gave evidence for. I think you could upset that deed if you chose." "Perhaps I could," Hefferom said gruffly. "Will you do it," Deane asked, "if it should ever be set into action against me? Remember that even though I know you will not believe me, the fact remains that although I have defended Rowan, I am not in possession of that deed."