Rose Mortimer; Or, The Ballet-Girl's Revenge — page 33: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE BALLET-GIRL’S REVENGE. 27 ‘In the second,”’ continued the count, not heeding the interruption, ‘‘ he has powerful friends and rela- tions, who will move heaven and earth to discover the cause of his disappearance.” ‘“They’ll never look there for him,” said one, with a diabolical grin, pointing down through the gaping trap. _** They will look everywhere,” replied the count. ‘‘ He was known to be staying with me, and how am I to account for his disappearance ?’’ ‘* There’s something in that.” ‘‘ Suppose we spare his life, what proof have we that he will not betray us ? ” Edgar Deville strove to express his determination td reveal nothing of what he had seen and heard. ‘I have still more to say,’? continued the couut. “This spy has several high and influential relations, and moves in the best circle of society.” *€ Well, what then ? ” ““ He may be of great use to us. Should suspicion fall upon us at any time, he might help to divert it. Besides, he could be of the greatest assistance in helping us to dispose of our—our manufactures.” ** He wouldn’t do it.” ‘ Tf he refuses he must die.” “What security have we that he will keep faith with us? ”” “The best. But let us question him,” The men murmured, and showed unmistakeable signs of discontent. The count laid his hand on the handkerchief which bound Edgar Deville’s mouth. At the same time he spoke impressively. ‘‘ Remember,”’ said he, ‘in thus giving you liberty of speech, that a single cry for help, a single attempt at escape, and you die! Remember! ” So saying,he removed the bandage, and Edgar Deville heaved a deep sigh of relief. ‘You have heard all that has been said ?’’ asked the count of the young man. e¢ Yes.”’ ‘Are you prepared to take a solemu oath never. reveal to mortal ear what you have seen and heard this night ? ” col amt 4 “That is well, but it is not all, You must do more than that.’’ ; ‘IT will do anything in my power if you will but spare my life,”’ said Edgar. ‘* Deeds, not words, are what we require. Not only must you swear this, but you must also join us— you must become one of us.” ‘‘ Become a—a—”’ stammered Edgar! ‘“Yes! Become a forger, a coiner, a 1aker of counterfeit money—whatever you like to call it.” Edgar Deville made no answer. “* No hesitation,”’ said the count sternly, at the same time raising his pistol, ‘‘ Yes or no! Life or death!” “¢ Shall I—” **No questions. Will you join us? Answer, or take the consequences.” ‘JT willjoin you! ” “That is well.” Turning to the gang standing around, who lsad not scrupled to show signs of dissatisfaction durivg this conversation, the count addressed them. ‘* Now my friends, are you satisfied ? ” SAIN Os DLO}! 2. S Wihy not?’ ** He will betray us.” _ What makes you think so?” ‘* Because he is forced to join us. He will back out of it as soon as you set him at liberty.” ‘“No!” said Edgar Deville, energetically, ‘ I will never forfeit my word.” ‘‘ Bravely spoken,’ said the count approvingly. “But just to show these gentlemen that you mean what you say, suppose you inspect this pretty little machine.” As the count spoke he rested his hand on a compli cation of wheels and levers which stood near him. Almost mechanically Edgar Deville took up his position in the place pointed out by his host of a few hours since. ** You see I have here,” said the count, ‘‘ several medals made of a metal closely resembling silver, but with a perfectly plain surface. I put one into this machine and turn the handle—so. You understand ?’’ ‘* Yes,’”’ said Edgar in a low tone of voice. ‘The medal you see falls out here, and has im- pressed upon one surface a correct image of our most gracious queen, as she appears on the British half- crown. Do you think you could manage to work that machine ?”’ Edgar made no answer. ** At all events you must fry.”’ Conscious that the least wavering might be his death warrant, Edgar Deville did as he was bid ; and, after one or two unsuccessful attempts, succeeded in stampiug one of the medals properly. Then the count bade him insert the base coin ito another machine, by which the reverse side was stamped ; and then into a third for milling the edges. All this he did, the gang of coiners gathered round him the while, scowlingly watching every movement he made. A dozen counterfeit half-crowns were made by Edgar Deville before the count allowed him a min- ute’s rest. ‘‘That will do for the present,”’ said he, as Edgar turned out his twelfth base coin. ‘ Then turning to his gang, he spoke to them. ‘This worthy young man you now see is com- pletely one of us. Now if he betrays you he betrays himself, for he has made false coin of his own free will, and is as much a coiner as any one of you. Are you satisfied ?”’ The answers were divided, some not thinking the test sufficient. “One thing more you must do,” said the count, turning again to Edgar. ‘“* What is that ?” “Those packets you see yonder are all base coin or forged notes, and are about to be sent to our country agents. Yonder is a pen andink. You must direct them.” The consciousness of being powerless made Edgar Deville do as he was bid. ‘© In your usual handwriting, if you please,” added the count. ‘If you try to disguise it, it may cost you your life.” At the count’s dictation Edgar wrote the direc- tions. ‘* Now, comrades, you must surely be satisfied. We have his writing as witness against him. What more do you want?”’ ‘* Nothing—nothing.”’ ‘‘That is well. Welcome him amongst you as your companion. Take care of him, and instruct him in his work.’’ So saying, the count quitted the rovin, leaving Edgar Deville to the mercies of the rufhans who lad thirsted for his blood. It was not till the trap in the centre of the room had been closed and bolted that Edgar felt really safe. When that was done he heaved a deep sigh of re- lief at his unexpected escape from the very jaws of death. But at what a cost had his life been purchased ! Not only had he become a criminal in the eyes of the law, but he had put himself completely in the comicbooks COUN