"For you would always have me and my knowledge hanging over you.

If you succeeded, you would have me dunning you for hush-money." Which seemed true enough.

Few men knew more of one side of human nature than Dormer Colville, it would appear.
"I am not afraid of that." "You can never tell," laughed Colville, but his laugh rather paled under Barebone's glance.

"You can never tell." "Wise men do not attempt to blackmail--kings." And Colville caught his breath.
"Perhaps you are right," he admitted, after a pause.

"You seem to be taking to the position very kindly, Barebone.