The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 290: what you’re looking at

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

THE CRIME DEBATED 273 ‘““ Because,”’ replied Mrs. Ranger, in a tone of assurance, er acted penetrate to a certain extent the policy which Loitus is pursuing. He does not mean to expose and ruin us fully, unless as a last resource, but he purposes to intimidate, to terrify —”’ “Yes, I see;’’ exclaimed the doctor. ‘‘ If he had really meant mischief he would at once have gone to the police - authorities and told all he knew. But what guarantee have we that he will not do so even now before we can — adopt any counteractive plan? ’’ “Rest assured,’ returned Mrs. Ranger, “ that Jocelyn will do nothing éf a decisive character for the present mo- ment. Bergami is now with him, you say? Well, there wil be consultations, negotiations, intimidations, and so forth. These will spread over some hours. It is now nearly three o’clock in the afternoon, night is not very far distant, and when night does arrive —’’ But here Mrs. Ranger stopped short, and her looks simul- taneously became so awfully sinister and darkly significant that Maravelli shuddered as if the words which she had yet to speak were already spoken. “This night? ’’ he murmured, in a scarcely audible voice. “ Yes, this night, Loitus and Lady Prescott must die,” rejoined Mrs. Ranger, in a low, deep tone. ‘Is there nothing else to be done but that? ’’ asked Mara- velli, whose voice had now sunk to a whisper. “Nothing! ’’ rephed the dreadful woman, who was thus inciting him to a deed of darkest horror. ‘If you would ' escape branding with a red-hot iron — ”’ “ Hnough!’’ murmured Maravelli, writhing. ‘I do indeed comprehend that there is no alternative. But Ber- cami — ) “Leave him to me,” answered Mrs. Ranger. ‘‘ You do your part of the work and I will do mine. Let Loftus and Lady Prescott die this night — mind, this night that is coming, without fail, and I promise that never again shall you hear a syllable of these startling things. Surely you have some subtle poison which you can cunningly mingle with their drink? ”’ ‘There are many ways of dealing death,” answered Maravelli, “ and you may rest assured that I shall aeens the one that is safest.” CORNICLOOL SS (CO)