But there he was as large as life, and,
of course, he followed us to the Albany. A fine game for him to
play, a game after his mean old heart: blackmail from me, bribes
from the police, the one bidding against the other; but he
sha'n't play it with me, he sha'n't live to, and the world will
have an extortioner the less. Waiter! Two Scotch whiskeys and
sodas. I'm off at eleven, Bunny; it's the only thing to be
done."
"You know where he lives, then?"
"Yes, out Willesden way, and alone; the fellow's a miser among
other things. I long ago found out all about him."
Again I looked round the room; it was a young man's club, and
young men were laughing, chatting, smoking, drinking, on every
hand. One nodded to me through the smoke. Like a machine I
nodded to him, and turned back to Raffles with a groan.
"Surely you will give him a chance!" I urged. "The very sight of
your pistol should bring him to terms."
"It wouldn't make him keep them."
"But you might try the effect?"
"I probably shall. Here's a drink for you, Bunny. Wish me
luck."
"I'm coming too."
"I don't want you."
"But I must come!"
An ugly gleam shot from the steel blue eyes.
"To interfere?" said Raffles.
"Not I."
"You give me your word?"
"I do."
"Bunny, if you break it--"
"You may shoot me, too!"
"I most certainly should," said Raffles, solemnly.
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