hanging myself as possible; and, therefore,
the thing must not take place _here_. Nor do I like that it should be
done at all without some reason. When he blabs, there's a necessity for
the thing, and self-preservation, you know, is the first law of nature.
The case will then be as much mine as yours, and I'll lend a helping
hand willingly."

"My object, Munro, is scarcely the same with yours. It goes beyond it;
and, whether he knows much or little, or speaks nothing or everything,
it is still the same thing to me. I must have my revenge. But, for your
own safety--are you bent on running the risk?"

"I am, Guy, rather than spill any more blood unnecessarily. I have
already shed too much, and my dreams begin to trouble me as I get
older," was the grave response of the landlord.

"And how, if he speaks out, and you have no chance either to stop his
mouth or to run for it?"

"Who'll believe him, think you?--where's the proof? Do you mean to
confess for both of us at the first question?"

"True--," said Rivers, "there would be a difficulty in conviction, but
his oath would put us into some trouble."

"I think not; our people know nothing about him, and would scarcely lend
much aid to have either of us turned upon our backs," replied Munro,
without hesitation.

"Well, be it then as you say. There is yet another subject, Munro, on
which I have just as little reason to be satisfied as this. How long
will you permit this girl to trifle with us both? Why should you care
for her prayers and pleadings--her tears and entreaties? If you are
determined upon the matter, as I have your pledge, these are childish
and unavailing; and the delay can have no good end, unless it be that
you do in fact look, as I have said, and as I sometimes think, for some
chance to take me off, and relieve you of my importunities and from your
pledges."

"Look you, Guy, the child is my own twin-brother's only one, and a sweet
creature it is. I must not be too hard with her; she begs time, and I
must give it."

"Why, how much time would she have? Heaven knows what she considers
reasonable, or what you or I should call so; but to my mind she has had
time enough, and more by far than I was willing for. You must bring her
to her senses, or let me do so. To my thought, she is making fools of us
both."

"It is, enough, Guy, that you have my promise. She shall consent, and I
will hasten the matter as fast as I can; but I will not drive her, nor
wil