"I understand," Mr. Britton said; "he fears you because you know him to
be a criminal; because his freedom--perhaps his very life--is in your
hands. Why are you not in danger on that account? What is to hinder his
taking a life so inimical to his own?"
A cunning, treacherous smile crept over her face and a baleful light
gleamed in her eyes, as she replied, "If I die at his hand my secret
does not die with me. I have fixed that. If I die to-day, the world
knows my secret to-morrow. He knows it, Senor, and I am safe."
"Did it never occur to you," said Mr. Britton, slowly, "that for the
safety of others your secret should be made known now?"
The woman's whole appearance changed; she regarded Mr. Britton with a
look of mingled anger and terror, as he continued:
"That man's life and freedom are a constant menace to other lives. Are
you willing to take the responsibility of the results which may follow
your withholding that secret, keeping it locked within your own breast?"
The woman looked quickly for a chance of escape, but Mr. Britton barred
the only means of exit. Her expression was that of a creature brought to
bay.
"I understand the meaning of your kindness to-night," she cried,
fiercely. "You are one of the 'fly' men, and you thought to buy my
secret from me. Let me tell you, you will never buy it, nor can you
force it from me! So long as he does me no harm I will never make it
known, and if I die a natural death, it dies with me!"
"You are mistaken," he replied, calmly; "I am no detective, no official
of any sort. My bringing you here to-night was of itself wholly
disinterested, done for the sake of a friend who wished me to help you.
I have wished to meet you and talk with you, as I was interested to
learn your story, out of sympathy for you and a desire to help you, and
also to shed new light on your husband's character, of which I have made
quite a study; but I am not seeking to force you into making any
disclosures against your will."
Her anger had subsided as quickly as it had been aroused.
"Pardon me, Senor," she said; "I was wrong. Accept my gratitude for your
kindness; I will not forget."
"Don't mention it. If you need help at any time, let me know; I do not
forget that you saved my friend's life. But one word in parting: don't
think your secret will not become known. Those things always work
themselves out, and justice will overtake that man yet. When it does,
your own life may not be as safe as you now think it is. If you need a
friend then, come to me."
The woman regarded him silently for a moment. "Thank you, Senor," she
said, gently; "I understand. Justice will yet overtake him, as you say;
and when it does," she added, significantly, "I will need no help."
_Chapter XXXVII_