ght Jack. "No, that will never do; his life
is not to be thrown away. Be quiet," said he, in a whisper to Wilder;
"I've another card to play, which shall serve us better than all the
plunder here. No harm must come to that youngster; his life is worth
thousands to us." Then, turning to Luke, he continued, "I'm loth to hurt
you; yet what can I do? You must have the worst of it if we come to a
pitched battle. I therefore advise you, as a friend, to draw off your
forces. We are three to three, it is true; but two of _your_ party are
unarmed."

"Unarmed!" interrupted Titus. "Devil burn me! this iron shillelah shall
convince you to the contrary, Jack, or any of your friends."

"Make ready then, my lads," cried Palmer.

"Stop a minute," exclaimed Coates. "This gets serious; it will end in
homicide--in murder. We shall all have our throats cut to a certainty;
and though these rascals will as certainly be hanged for it, that will
be poor satisfaction to the sufferers. Had we not better refer the
matter to arbitration?"

"I'm for fighting it out," said Titus, whisking the poker round his head
like a flail in action. "My blood's up. Come on, Jack Palmer, I'm for
you."

"I should vote for retreating," chattered the attorney, "if that cursed
fellow had not placed a _ne exeat_ at the door."

"Give the word, captain," cried Rust, impatiently.

"Ay, ay," echoed Wilder.

"A skilful general always parleys," said Jack. "A word in your ear,
Luke, ere that be done which cannot be undone."

"You mean me no treachery?" returned Luke.

Jack made no answer, but uncocking his pistols, deposited them within
his pockets.

"Shoot him as he advances," whispered Coates; "he is in your power now."

"Scoundrel!" replied Luke, "do you think me as base as yourself?"

"Hush, hush! for God's sake don't expose me," said Coates.

Lady Rookwood had apparently listened to this singular conference with
sullen composure, though in reality she was racked with anxiety as to
its results; and, now apprehending that Palmer was about to make an
immediate disclosure to Luke, she accosted him as he passed her.

"Unbind me!" cried she, "and what you wish shall be
yours--money--jewels----"

"Ha! may I depend?"

"I pledge my word."

Palmer untied the cord, and Lady Rookwood, approaching a table whereon
stood the escritoire, touched a spring, and a secret drawer flew open.

"You do this of your own free will?" asked Luke. "Speak, if it be
otherwise