Miss Lorry rose, and looked as though she would slap Antonio's face. "You hound," she hissed, "do you think I'd let any man play fast and loose with me. Not a word," she added, seeing a grim smile on the strong man's face. "I know what you would say. Leave the past alone, or it will be the worse for you. And see here, what's become of that boy Butsey?" "He's in London at Father Don's." "Poor little wretch. Being made into a devil such as you are. Then, you send for him to come to Chelmsford. I want him to deliver a letter, and the sooner it's delivered the better." "Can't I deliver it?" "No, you can't. I can trust Butsey. I can't trust you." "Who is the letter to?" "That's my business," flashed out Miss Lorry, returning to her interrupted breakfast; "tell Stag I'll see him about the note at my own time." "But, Bell, if you leave the show, how will you live?" "I've got money saved. You need not ask how much," she added, seeing the cupidity flash into the man's eyes, "for I am not going to tell you. I leave the show at the end of October, and then I remain in town till I become Lady Saltars." "A nice bargain he'll get with you," growled Antonio. "I know you." "As we've been together in the circus for years, you ought to----" "I wasn't thinking of the circus, but of----" "Hold your tongue," she cried, rising again, "mind your own business." "You don't make it worth my while. Suppose I spoil your game with Lord Saltars?" Miss Lorry's face became hard and her eyes glittered. "You dare to interfere, and I'll send to that policeman at Wargrove to tell him I saw you at Westhaven speaking to a pair of the biggest blackguards in London." "And what will that do? I've got a right to speak to whom I choose." "You can for all I care," said Miss Lorry, sitting down once more, "your business has nothing to do with me so long as you leave me alone. Why don't you go home to your poor wife?" "My poor wife don't want me. And I wouldn't live with her for gold untold, seeing how she nags and moans. My wife?" sneered the man with an ugly look; "you're a nice one to talk of her." "I tell you what, Giles Merry," said Miss Lorry, with great deliberation, "you'd better keep a civil tongue, or you'll have a bad time. I'll horsewhip you before the company, strong man as you are." Antonio scowled. "You wouldn't dare." "Wouldn't I? You talk like that and you'll see. You always were a brute and you always will be. I only hope," added Miss Lorry, suddenly looking into his eyes, "that you aren't something worse." Antonio met the look with great composure. "Meaning a murderer?" he said. "Cain asked me if I did kill Strode." "And how do I know you didn't?" "Because I did not," cried the man, rising and looking fierce. "Well," said Miss Lorry, after a pause, "I daresay you didn't. But you know who did." She looked at him searchingly. "I swear by all that's holy, I don't!"