"Wretch!" exclaimed Markham, recovering his self-command: "the law will at length reach you." "What! do you know this fellow?" demanded the count, somewhat surprised by the observation. "Know me!" cried the Resurrection Man: "of course he does. But supposing someone was to tell you a piece of valuable information, count--about a matter closely concerning yourself and family--would you be inclined to be merciful?" "Of what nature is that information? It must be very valuable indeed, if you think that I will enter into any compromise with such as you." "Pledge me your word that you will let me go scot free, and I will tell you something that concerns the peace and happiness--perhaps the honour of your daughter." "Miscreant!" cried Markham: "profane not that lady by even alluding to her!" "Stay--curse the fellow's impudence," said the count: "perhaps he may really have somewhat worth communicating. At all events, I will try him. Now, then, my man, what is it that you have to say? If your statement be worth hearing, I swear that I will neither molest you, nor suffer you to be molested." "Hold, count," exclaimed Markham: "make no rash vow--you know not what a wretch----" "Silence, my dear friend," said the count authoritatively: "I will hear the man, let him be who or what he may!" "And you will do well to hear me, sir," continued the Resurrection Man. "You harbour a villain in your house; and that villain is now before you. He boasts of having secured the affections of your daughter, and hopes to gull you into allowing him to marry her." "Miscreant--murderer!" exclaimed Markham, no longer able to contain his indignation: "pollute not innocence itself by these allusions to a lady whose spotless mind----" "Hush!" said the count. "Let us hear patiently all this man has to say. I can soon judge whether he be speaking the truth; and if he deceives me, I will show him no mercy." "But, count--allow me one word--I myself will unfold----" "Excuse me, Markham," interrupted the Italian noble, with dignified firmness: "I will hear this man first. Proceed!" "The villain I allude to is of course that Markham," continued the Resurrection Man. "It was him, too, that induced me and my pals, the Cracksman and the Buffer, to make this attempt upon your house to-night." "What foul--what hideous calumny is this!" almost screamed the distracted Markham, as this totally unexpected and unfounded accusation met his ears. The count himself was shocked at this announcement; for he suddenly recollected Richard's moody, embarrassed, and thoughtful manner the whole evening, and his sudden intention of departing the next day. "Go on," said the count.