262 THE SMUGGLER. 



which of the two he marries. As for him, he evidently prefers 

 Zara. She is also well inclined to him. I can, I am sure I 

 can, offer you the same fortune with her. Why should you 

 object?'' 



Mr. Radford had resumed his seat, and with his arms folded 

 on his chest, and his head bent, had remained in a listening 

 posture. But nothing that he heard seemed to produce any 

 change in his countenance; and when Sir Robert Croyland 

 had concluded, he rose again, took a step towards him, and 

 replied, through his shut teeth: "You are mistaken, Sir 

 Robert Croyland; it is not fortune alone I seek. It is re- 

 venge! There, ask me no questions: I have told you my de- 

 termination. Your daughter Edith shall be my son's wife 

 within four days, or Maidstone jail, trial, and execution, shall 

 be your lot. The haughty family of Croyland shall bear the 

 stain of felony upon them to the last generation; and your 

 daughter shall know, for if you do not tell her, I will, that it 

 is her obstinacy which sends her father to the gallows. No 

 more trifling: no more nonsense! Act, sir, as you think fit; 

 but remember, that the words, once passed my lips, can never 

 be recalled ; that the secret I have kept buried for so many 

 years, shall to-morrow morning be published to the whole 

 world, if to-night you do not bring me your daughter's con- 

 sent to what I demand. I am using no vain threats, Sir 

 Robert Croyland," he continued, resuming a somewhat soft- 

 ened tone, "and I do not urge you to this without some degree 

 of regret. You have been very kind and friendly; you have 

 done me good service on several occasions ; and it will be with 

 great regret that I become the instrument of your destruction. 

 But still every man has a conscience of some kind. Even I 

 am occasionally troubled with qualms; arid I frequently re- 

 proach myself for concealing what I am bound to reveal. It 

 is a pity this marriage was not concluded long ago, for then, 

 connected with you by the closest ties, I should have felt my- 

 self more justified in holding my tongue. Now, however, it 

 is absolutely necessary that your daughter Edith should be- 

 come my son's wife. I have pointed out the means which I 

 think will soonest bring it to bear ; and if you do not use them, 

 you must abide the consequences. But mark me: no attempt 

 at delay, no prevarication, no hesitation! A clear, positive, 

 distinct answer this night by twelve o'clock, or you are lostP 



