'I mean _this_,' replied Grosket: 'Michael Rust is your friend because you _dare_ not be his enemy. You _love_ him because you dare not _hate_ him. You pray night and day to be rid of him. You would think it the brightest day in your life when, all connection between you dissolved, he left your door to darken it no more. He has a hold on your fears, with which he sways you to his will, and which he will make the means of ruin to you, and of wretchedness to those dearer to you than yourself. I speak of _her_,' said he, seeing the old man looking timidly up in the face of Kate, who still hung over his chair, pale as death, but listening to every word. 'I know his secrets, his crimes, the tools with which he works; the very falsehood which he has fabricated against you, which you cannot disprove, but which _I_ can.' 'Falsehoods!' ejaculated Rhoneland. 'Yes, falsehoods. The time is come when, even with you, he must stand revealed in his true character.' He stepped close to Rhoneland and whispered a few words in his ear. The old man sank back in his chair, as if seized with sudden faintness; his jaw relaxed, and his eyes half started from his head. His prostration lasted but for a moment. The next instant he started up, made a step toward Grosket, and grasped his hand in both of his. 'Can you save me? can you save me?' gasped he; 'Oh! do--_do_, for God's sake!' 'I can,' replied Grosket. 'And her, _her_? my own child?' exclaimed he, pointing to his daughter. 'So help me God, I think I can!' said Grosket, earnestly; but to do so, I must be free; free only for one month. At the end of that time, if I fail, the gaol may have its prey. Get me that delay, and I have no fears for the rest.' 'Here's the document,' said Mr. Chicken, emerging from a profound revery, at the very moment that it was most requisite that his wits should be present, and producing a paper. 'I'll fill it up; you can sign it to once-t, and acknowledge it arterward.' Rhoneland had reached out his hand to take the paper, but suddenly he hesitated and drew it back. 'Must _he_ know this?' inquired he. 'Is there no way in which it can be kept from _him_?' Grosket looked at the deputy, who looked at the wall, and said that he 'didn't know as it could be perwented, convenient.' 'Then you must choose between us,' said Grosket, coldly; 'I have said enough to satisfy you that I have the same power over you that Rust has, did I but choose to exert it. In suffering me to go to prison you are permitting him to fetter the only person who can defeat his schemes, who can free you from his control, and prevent your child from being--Mrs. Rust.'