"Where have you taken my wife?"
"Oh, she's quite safe," said Saltash; and smiled with a fox-like flash
of teeth. "I am taking every care of her. You need have no anxiety
about that."
"I asked--where you had taken her," Dick said, his words low and
distinct, wholly without emotion.
Saltash's odd eyes began to gleam. "I heard you, _mon ami_. But since the
lady is under my protection at the present moment, I am not prepared to
answer that question off-hand--or even at all, until I am satisfied as to
the kindness--or otherwise--of your intentions. When I give my protection
to anyone--I give it."
"Is that what you came back to say?" said Dick, still without stirring
hand or feature.
"By no means," said Saltash airily. "I didn't come to see you at all. I
came--to fetch Columbus!"
He turned with the words, hearing a low whine at the door behind him, and
opening it released the dog who ran out with eager searching. Saltash
stooped to fondle him.
Something that was like an electric thrill went through Dick. He took a
sudden step forward.
"Damn you!" he said, and gripped Saltash by the collar. "Tell me where
she is! Do you hear? Tell me!"
Saltash straightened himself with a lightning movement.
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