"My voice belies me, then," he returned coolly. "I'd shoot you quicker'n a wink, were it necessary to make my getaway. But, listen; you will be immediately unmolested, if you give me what I have come here to get. I advise you to give it willingly, but if not--then I must get it as best I can."
"Take off your mask, won't you?" and Iris' tone was almost formal. "I know you, don't I?"
"You do not, and something tells me you never will. Pardon me, if I retain my protecting decoration----"
"Scarcely a decoration," murmured Iris, who was striving to think quickly what to do.
"Thank you; that implies your belief in a fair share of good looks on my part. But that's a matter of no moment. And time passes. I am here to ask you for a matter of no great moment after all. I want the pin that your late aunt left you in her will."
"Careful! Not so loud. Yes--I am none other than he." A mock dramatic gesture accompanied the phrase, and Iris involuntarily smiled.
"You are charming when you smile," the visitor went on. "I may say that, since I am not making a social call----"
"You seem to be, I think," Iris interrupted him.
"Far from it! You are under a distinct misapprehension. But, alas! your smiles and charms are not the prize I'm seeking. I want that pin," for the first time he spoke a little roughly, "and I'm going to have it!"
"What under the heavens do you want of that pin?" exclaimed Iris, surprised beyond all thought of fear. She had at first supposed he was after the jewels, or money, at least.
"Never mind what for. Are you going to hand it over?"
"I suppose you are making a collection of dramatic trifles, like Mr. Pollock. It seems to be a popular pursuit, this gathering material for a miniature junk-shop!"
"So? Well, are you going to give it to me? Why didn't you put it on the gate post to-night?"
"For the very good reason that I haven't got it."
"Don't talk that useless chatter. Of course you have it."
"But I haven't. I threw it away, when the lawyer gave it to me, and----"
"No; you didn't. You only pretended to. Come; now, where is it?"
"Will you go away if I give it to you?" Iris was struck with an idea.
"If you give me your word of honor that you're giving me the right one."
This dissuaded her, for she had intended to give him one from her belt ribbon.