"
"Yes, Mr. Beverley?"
"I have undertaken to--liquidate his debts."
"Yes, Mr. Beverley."
"To pay--whatever he may owe, both principal and interest."
"Indeed, Mr. Beverley! And--his name?"
"His name is Ronald Barrymaine."
"Ronald--Barrymaine!" There was a pause between the words, and the
smooth, soft voice had suddenly grown so harsh, so deep and vibrant,
that it seemed incredible the words could have proceeded from the
lips of the motionless figure lolling in the chair with his face in
the shadow and the knife glittering behind him.
"I have made out to you a draft for more than enough, as I judge, to
cover Mr. Barrymaine's liabilities."
"For how much, sir?"
"Twenty-two thousand pounds."
Then Jasper Gaunt stirred, sighed, and leaned forward in his chair.
"A handsome sum, sir,--a very handsome sum, but--" and he smiled and
shook his head.
"Pray what do you mean by 'but'?" demanded Barnabas.
"That the sum is--inadequate, sir."
"Twenty-two thousand pounds is not enough then?"
"It is--not enough, Mr. Beverley."
"Then, if you will tell me the precise amount, I will make up the
deficiency.
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