"Not kill you? I've a
mind to order it done at once, you wretch! I hate such reptiles as you!"
Nick laughed.
"If you were to order it done, senora, and the knife were at my throat,"
said he, "your order would certainly be countermanded."
"What! By whom?" cried Cervera, with her passionate, dark eyes fiercely
blazing. "I'll have you know that I rule here--and not here alone!"
"Yet your command would be revoked, senora."
"For what reason, villain?"
"It would be revoked at the request of our mutual friend, Mr. Rufus
Venner, to whom I presently shall explain my conduct, and also implore
your own pardon, senora, for having made you the mark of my very
unworthy suspicions," cried Nick, with a sudden dramatic display of
dignity and confidence.
It brought Venner sharply to his feet.
"Good heavens!" he cried. "What do you mean, sir?"
"Ay, what do you mean?" roared Kilgore, bracing straight up in his chair
and reaching for his gun--a move Nick pretended he did not see.
"I only mean, gentlemen, that I am no burglar," cried Nick, in his
natural voice, at the same time raising his bound hands to remove his
disguise. "Allow me, Mr. Venner, to present myself in proper person.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75