"And I am quite content," chuckled the little man, "for no one but a fool would give up the property as you are doing."
"I haven't given it up yet," said Rupert, disgusted with this brutal speech, "and I may not be the fool you take me to be."
For all his insolence Mallien was plainly disconcerted by this frank statement, and began to think that he had gone too far. A muttered apology was on his lips, but was cut short by the entrance of Dr. Tollart. Immediately behind him shuffled old Ark, who seated himself near the door, chuckling and rubbing his hands with the air of a man who was highly pleased with himself. Mallien and the doctor, who were by no means friends, exchanged a curt greeting, and Tollart, turning his back on the prospective Squire of Barship, talked ostentatiously to Rupert.
"Mr. Carrington will be here almost at once," he declared, drawing off his gloves slowly; "he walked up behind Ark and myself as we reached the gates."
Even as he spoke the footman appeared to announce the barrister. Carrington, evidently considering himself master of the situation, walked in with a victorious air. He looked smart and alert, being quite in his best form. In a well-cut suit of blue serge, with a straw hat and brown shoes, he had apparently arrayed himself in his best to receive the money he expected. Of course, he did not anticipate that the five thousand would be handed to him at once; but when things were arranged between Hendle and Mallien as to the possession of the property, then Carrington intended to get a promise in writing of his share of the plunder. Not for one moment did he think that anything was wrong, and he even offered his hand to Rupert with an insolent air of pity.
"Every dog has his day, Hendle," he said maliciously. "This is mine."
"Don't be too sure," replied Rupert, rejecting the proffered hand. "There's many a slip between cup and lip, remember."
"You are full of wisdom," sneered Carrington. "Well, you will need it all to earn money when you are a pauper."
Hendle stepped forward until he towered over the smaller man and spoke slowly. "Don't tempt me to give you the thrashing which I let you off with the other day, Carrington," he murmured. "Let us get to business, and rid me of your presence as soon as possible."