'
"'And this lady?'
"'That will come afterward,' I said.
"'If I kill you--?'
"'She is your property.'
"'And if you kill me--?'
"'She is mine,' I said.
"The sinister smile again came to the dark features of Mortimer.
"'So be it,' he said, 'and I am ready to accompany you, sir.'
"I drew my pistol and threw it upon the bed, looking at Mortimer as I
did so. He imitated me, and opening his coat, showed me that he was
wholly unarmed. I did the same, and having locked the private door
leading to the back staircase, led the way out, followed by Mortimer.
He turned and looked at madam as he passed through the door. She was
erect, furious, defiant, full of anticipated triumph. Was it a glance
of gloomy compassion and deep tenderness which Mortimer threw toward
her? I thought I heard him sigh.
"I locked the door, and we descended to the library."
XXIV.
WHAT TOOK PLACE IN FIFTY MINUTES.
"As we entered the apartment, the clock on the mantel-piece struck
midnight.
"My body servant was within call, and I ordered my carriage, which
Nighthawk had been directed to have ready at a moment's warning.
"In five minutes it was at the door, and I had just taken the two foils
under my arm, when I heard a step in the passage. A moment afterward,
Nighthawk entered.
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