past; and trembling at the future. We must be active. Beverley, at
worst, is but suspicious; but Lewson's genius, and his hate to Me,
will lay all open. Means must be found to stop him.

_Bates._ What means?

_Stu._ Dispatch him--Nay, start not--Desperate occasions call for
desperate deeds. We live but by his death.

_Bates._ You cannot mean it?

_Stu._ I do, by heaven.

_Bates._ Good night then.
[_Going._

_Stu._ Stay. I must be heard, then answered. Perhaps the motion was
too sudden; and human nature starts at murder, though strong
necessity compels it. I have thought long of this; and my first
feelings were like yours; a foolish conscience awed me, which soon I
conquered. The man that would undo me, nature cries out, undo.
Brutes know their foes by instinct; and where superior force is
given, they use it for destruction. Shall man do less? Lewson
pursues us to our ruin; and shall we, with the means to crush him,
fly from our hunter, or turn and tear him? 'Tis folly even to
hesitate.

_Bates._ He has obliged me, and I dare not.

_Stu._ Why, live to shame then, to beggary and punishment. You would
be privy to the deed, yet want the soul to act it. Nay more; had my
designs been levelled at his fortune, you had stept in the foremost.
And what is life without its comforts? Those you would rob him of;
and by a lingering death, add cruelty to murder. Henceforth adieu to
half-made villains--there's danger in them. What you have got is
your's; keep it, and hide with it: I'll deal my future bounty to
those who merit it.

_Bates._ What's the reward?

_Stu._ Equal division of our gains. I swear it, and will be
just.

_Bates._ Think of the means then.

_Stu._ He's gone to Beverley's-- Wait for him in the street--'tis a
dark night, and fit for mischief. A dagger would be useful.

_Bates._ He sleeps no more.

_Stu._ Consider the reward! When the deed's done, I have farther
business with you. Send Dawson to me.

_Bates._ Think it already done--and so farewel.
[_Exit._

_Stu._ Why, farewel Lewson then; and farewel to my fears. This night
secures me. I'll wait the event within.
[_Exit._

SCENE VI. _changes to the street. Stage darkened._

_Enter BEVERLEY._

_Bev._ How like an out-cast do I wander! Loaded with every curse,
that drives the soul to desperation! The midnight robber, as he
walks his rounds, sees by the glimmering lamp my frantic looks, and
dreads to meet me. Whither am I going?