"A gentleman to see you, sir," announced the servant, interrupting one of Hugo's day dreams. "Who is it?" "I don't know, sir; but I think he has been here before." When Hugo entered the drawing-room and saw Fitzgerald, he stopped short with a frown. "You here?" he said. "Yes, I am here," answered the other proudly. "You might as well have stayed away. If you think you can levy any black-mail you are mistaken." "I expect nothing of the kind." "Probably you don't want any money?" said Hugo, sneering. "Not from you," answered Fitzgerald, eying him steadily. "You don't want money?" exclaimed Hugo, in genuine surprise. "No, though I have no doubt you would be very glad to give me a large sum." "You are quite mistaken. I suspect you are drunk." "That is where you are mistaken." "What is your object in coming, then? Is this a friendly call?" asked Hugo, with an evident sneer. "Well, perhaps it may be so considered; I came to give you a friendly warning." "A warning?" "Yes." "I really can't conceive how I can need any warning from you. What is your warning?" "I warn you to leave the country as soon as it is in your power." Hugo laughed scornfully. "Thank you for nothing," he said; "why should I leave the country?" "Because you will otherwise be charged with instigating the murder of your cousin, known as Robert Rudd." "Humph! No one will credit it. Besides, you will have to admit that you killed him." "You are mistaken again. He is not dead." "Not dead?" echoed Hugo, turning pale and sinking into a seat. "No, he is as much alive as you or I, but I am prepared to swear that you hired me to kill him." "Villain! you deceived me!" exclaimed Hugo, furiously. "I feel less a villain than if I had compassed the boy's death." Hugo reflected a moment. A gulf seemed to open before him, and just as his uncle was nearing death all his schemes seemed in danger of failure. This must be prevented at all hazards. "Fitzgerald!" he said, in an altered tone, "this thing can yet be arranged. You have gained an advantage over me, I grant, and I am prepared to make it worth your while to keep this thing hushed up. What are your terms?" "Why should I name terms when you have once treacherously gone back on your word?" "I will not do so again." "Do you want me to kill the boy?" "No! Let him live, but never let him suspect who he is." "And for this you will give me—how much?" "Five thousand dollars!" answered Hugo, after a brief pause. "It is a good sum, but your uncle's property amounts to a quarter of a million, at least." "Nothing like it," answered Hugo, hurriedly. "Besides, he is likely to leave a large part to charitable institutions." "Not if you can prevent it," thought Fitzgerald. "It is useless!" he said aloud. "I am not to be bought." "What, then, do you require?" asked Hugo, desperately. "I require you to leave the country, and acknowledge Robert Rudd as your cousin." "Never!" said Hugo, fiercely.