o hand in their own defense?"

At this point Duffel actually sprang to his feet, the great drops oozing
from every pore! How had his secret thoughts become known to her?--thoughts
that no mortal ear had ever heard him utter?

"Girl! girl!" he shouted, "who and what are you? demon, witch or spirit?"

Then he paused a moment, as if to collect himself, and decide upon a course
of action. Becoming a little more composed, he continued:

"If you are in league with hell, then are we of one family if you have not
belied me, and I shall take it upon myself to strengthen the affinity by--"

"Sir!" she said, with a commanding look which awed him into silence, (for
his superstitious feelings were already in the ascendant, and he began to
_fear_ her) "I have no connection with the household of his Satanic
majesty, _nor do I intend to have_, albeit you have intimated to the
contrary."

"Don't be too sure of that," he interrupted. "You must know that when I set
my heart upon a measure, I never allow myself to be defeated in its
accomplishment; and just now the darling object I have in view is a union
with yourself."

This was _said_ with much of his usual assurance, though the expression of
his face gave indications of internal uneasiness, and a trembling of soul,
which belied the ostensible bravery put on for the occasion.

"You speak as though there was but one will in the world, of which you were
the fortunate possessor; permit me to disabuse your overweening confidence
and selfishness on this point. I have no wish to pass words with such an
unmanly representative of mankind as you, sir, but let me assure you it is
my very calm and fixed determination to show you that all your intentions
cannot be carried out."

"We will see, then," he said, with something of aroused indignation, "whose
will is the stronger, or, rather, who has the advantage in this contest.
You seem to forget your situation at the present moment, and that you are
entirely and completely in my power."

"I forgot nothing, sir: I am in the hands of One, before whom you are as a
grasshopper; and His justice does not always slumber."

"Turning parson again! It is all very well; but just now that high
authority seems to be engaged in some one else's behalf, and, much to my
satisfaction, has left you to take care of yourself. I, on the contrary,
having an immediate interest in your welfare, have undertaken to care for
you; and inasmuch as your very powerful al