"
"Well, that is part of the risk. There is no other possible way
of regaining these letters. The unfortunate lady has not the
money, and there are none of her people in whom she could
confide. To-morrow is the last day of grace, and unless we can
get the letters to-night this villain will be as good as his
word and will bring about her ruin. I must, therefore, abandon
my client to her fate or I must play this last card. Between
ourselves, Watson, it's a sporting duel between this fellow
Milverton and me. He had, as you saw, the best of the first
exchanges; but my self-respect and my reputation are concerned
to fight it to a finish."
"Well, I don't like it; but I suppose it must be," said I.
"When do we start?"
"You are not coming."
"Then you are not going," said I. "I give you my word of honour
-- and I never broke it in my life -- that I will take a cab
straight to the police-station and give you away unless you let
me share this adventure with you."
"You can't help me."
"How do you know that? You can't tell what may happen.
Anyway, my resolution is taken. Other people beside you
have self-respect and even reputations.
Pages:
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291