“And that, gentlemen,” said Melun, nodding towards the men, “is absolutely true. “It is also true,” he continued, “that to win this vast amount of money it was necessary to lay out a certain amount of capital. I hadn't the money on hand, and it was inadvisable to approach the usual sources. “I trusted”—and there was an increased bitterness in his voice—“I trusted this man Robinson. [Pg 140] [Pg 140] “But, would you believe me, gentlemen, I have just discovered that he is not Robinson at all, nor Smith, nor Jones—nor anyone, indeed, of small importance in this world? “Now, gentlemen, it would be inadvisable at this moment to tell you precisely who he is, but one thing I may tell you, and that is that he is a gentleman of title, and a man of wealth and position.” The men turned their wondering gaze on Westerham. “Now, for what purpose do you suppose that a man of title, of wealth and position is mixing himself up with our affairs?” Melun paused for a few minutes, and watched with satisfaction intelligence dawn on the stupid, brutal faces before him, which stared first at himself in amazement, and then gloomily and savagely at Westerham. Westerham, however, to their further astonishment, was laughing quietly, his teeth bared in quite an amused and pleasant smile. “Now, gentlemen,” Melun continued, “it is one of our unbreakable rules that all traitors must die. Therefore, anyone who is likely to betray us must die also. “From what I know of this man,” he went on, “he will be too proud to purchase his freedom. In short, not to put too fine a point on it, we cannot bleed him, though his wealth is enormous. I fancy it runs into millions.” Little cries of wonderment and anger broke from the glowering men round the table. Westerham laughed aloud. “In fact,” cried Melun,[Pg 141] “though I much regret the necessity of having to take such a step, I am afraid this gentleman's last hour has arrived. [Pg 141]
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