Haredale--Devereux or whatever name you
happen to be using, I have forced myself upon you to-night to inform
you that, knowing you at last for the foul and loathsome thing you
are, I am very earnest that you should pollute the world no longer.
Two years ago you struck me in the yard behind the Chequers Inn, at
Tonbridge; I call upon you to account for that blow to-night--here and
now!"
"Let any man stir and I shoot to kill!" said Anthony between shut
teeth; his heavy tread shook the floor behind me, then he had swung me
aside and fronted Devereux the pistol in his hand, face convulsed and
murder glaring in his eyes.
"Trenchard," said he in strange, hissing whisper, "there is a
curtained door behind you--whom are you hiding in there? Trenchard, I
am yearning to kill you and kill you I will, so help me God, unless
you draw that curtain and open that door--d'ye hear me?"
Trenchard's tall form seemed to stiffen, his mocking smile vanished,
but his eyes never wavered.
Anthony levelled the pistol.
"Trenchard," said he softly, "I'll count three!"
Then Trenchard laughed lightly.
"Egad, sir," said he with a flourish, "drunk or no, you have a
devilish persuading air about you. Behold then, and judge of my
felicity!"
Thus speaking, he drew aside the curtain and reached white hand
towards the door behind, but at this moment and before he could touch
it, the door swung open and Diana stepped forth.
"Mr.
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