Jasper," replied the lawyer, "there is but one course plain
before you. If you make this man your enemy, he will surely pursue you
to the death. There is no pity in him."
Jasper groaned aloud. Ere he could reply, the door of the office
opened, and the individual about whom they were conversing entered.
With the skill of practised actors, each instantly assumed a part, and
hid, under a false exterior, their true states of mind. With something
of cordiality each greeted the other: while side-glances, unobserved
by Jasper, passed rapidly between Martin and the lawyer. A few
commonplace inquiries and remarks followed, when Jasper made a
movement to go, saying, as he did so--
"Mr. Martin, I will be pleased to see you some time to-day."
"Thank you; I will do myself the pleasure to call," was coolly
answered. "At what time will you be most at leisure?"
"During the afternoon. Say at four or five o'clock."
"I will be there at four," returned Martin, in a bland voice, and with
a courteous inclination of the head.
"Very well--you will find me in."
The merchant bowed to the accomplices--they were nothing better--and
retired.
"Humph! I didn't expect to find him here quite so early," said Martin,
with a sinister smile. "I rather guess I frightened him last night."
"I rather guess you did," returned the lawyer, his countenance
reflecting the light that played on the other's face.
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