"I were a fool and blind, did I not see to the bottom of this turbid little puddle upon which you think to float your argosies.

You are selling me.

You are to make a bargain with the government to forbear the confiscations your father has incurred out of consideration of the service you can render by disclosing this plot, and you would throw me in as something tangible--in earnest of the others that may follow.

Have I sounded the depths of your intent ?" "And if you have--what then ?" demanded sullen Rotherby.
"This, my lord," answered Mr.Caryll, and he quoted: "'The man that once did sell the lion's skin while the beast lived, was killed with hunting him.

Remember that!"' They looked at him, impressed by the ringing voice in which he had spoken-a voice in which the ring was of mingled mockery and exultation.
Then her ladyship shook off the impression, and laughed.
"With what d'ye threaten us ?" she asked contemptuously.
"I--threaten, ma'am?
Nay, I am incapable of threatening.