"And you will take the risk of being proved an accessory after the fact?" "Yes! Because I know that you'll hold your tongue for your own sake." "Of course, you will keep Mrs. Beatson quiet?" "Certainly. She won't say a word if I give her an annuity; and she is not likely to connect the will and the murder, as I remarked before. Well?" "Well?" echoed Rupert ironically. "I'm not taking any, thank you." Mallien's face fell when he found that, in the moment of his fancied triumph, victory was suddenly snatched from his grasp. "You refuse?" "I do. Go to Inspector Lawson and bring your accusation. I am quite ready to meet it." "You'll be arrested," threatened Mallien. "I am quite willing to be arrested. That's better than being in the power of a blackmailer." "You are mad; you are quite mad." "You would like me to be, but, as it happens, I am perfectly sane. Meanwhile, until you have me locked up, help me to search for the will." Mallien could not understand his cousin's attitude. He had insulted him; he had brought a vile accusation against him; yet Rupert coolly refused his greedy terms, and evidently did not mind being in his company. Knowing how he would have cringed and agreed to anything under similar circumstances, Mallien at once sought refuge in a taunt. "I thought you were a man?" "Obnoxious animals such as you are cannot judge what is a man and what isn't, my friend," retorted Rupert, putting on his coat. "Will you walk along with me toward The Big House and discuss the matter further?" "No, hang you, I won't." "As you please. And your denunciation of me to the police?" Mallien hesitated. "I'll give you a week to think things over." "Thank you," said Hendle gravely, and, the treaty having been made, the conversation ended with victory for the Squire--a victory won by sheer honesty. CHAPTER X DORINDA