Part 29 (2/2)
Millicent could not dispute the insinuation.
”What has he done, in G.o.d's name, that makes him the slave of such a thing as you?” she cried.
”I will answer that question by asking another,” said the negro, after a pause. ”Do you know that s.h.i.+rley Roseleaf hopes to wed your sister?”
The shot struck home. With pale lips Millicent found herself trembling before this fellow.
”You love him,” pursued the man, relentlessly. ”You do not need to affirm or deny this, for I know. He loves Daisy, and unless prevented, will marry her. I hold a secret over your father's head which can send him to the State prison for twenty years. If I confide it to you, will you swear to let no one but him know until I give you leave?”
The girl bowed quickly. She could hardly bear the strain of delay.
”Then listen,” said the negro. ”To save himself in business he has committed numerous forgeries upon the names of two men. One of them is Walker Boggs and the other Archie Weil. Very recently he has been successful in his speculations, and has called in many notes with these forged endors.e.m.e.nts. But the proofs of his crimes are ample, and I possess them. If he ever proposes to let Roseleaf marry Daisy, hint to him of what you know, and he will obey your will. I shall be in the city. Here is my address. If you need me I am at your service.
Understand, I shall not harm your father unless he makes it necessary. I only mean to use the fear of what might await him, and you can do the same. It is time I was going. I have found all I want here, though I had enough before.”
He handed Millicent a card on which was the address he had mentioned, and she allowed herself to take it from his hand. Then he started to pick up a package of papers that lay where he had put them on the table, when a third figure, to the consternation of both, brushed Millicent aside, and stepped into the room. It was the younger sister.
”Give that to me!” she demanded, imperiously, reaching out her hand for the package.
The apparition was so unexpected that the previous occupants of the library stood for a few seconds staring at it without moving a step.
Daisy was dressed in much the same manner as Millicent, but she thought only of the danger that threatened one she loved better than life--her father.
”Give that to me!” she repeated, approaching Hannibal closer.
Without a word the negro, his head bowed, handed it to her.
”And now,” she said, in the same quick, sharp tone, ”the others!”
”They are not here,” he answered, huskily.
”Where are they?”
”At my lodgings in the city.”
Instantly Daisy s.n.a.t.c.hed the card from her sister's hand.
”At this place?” she asked, hastily scanning the writing.
”Yes,” said Hannibal, in a voice that was scarcely audible.
”I will be there this morning at ten o'clock. See that they are ready.”
The negro bowed, while his chest heaved rapidly.
”And now,” said the girl, pointing to the door, ”go!”
He hesitated, as if he wanted to say more to her, but recollecting that she would meet him so soon, he turned and obeyed her. At the threshold he only paused to say, ”You must come alone; otherwise it will be of no use.” And she answered that she understood.
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