[33] Perhaps he saw with prophetic vision, some dim inkling of his own downfall—it is a long road that has no turn—success had visited him many times in the past, but there was for him as for all adventurers, a dies irae and it might come through Roderic Owen. "I'll consider myself warned, Owen, and if trouble comes my blood be upon my own head. The only remark I shall venture to make is, that as yet I have never failed in any serious undertaking which engaged my attention," he said, sneeringly. "Indeed. Then let us hope you are not very serious about this affair." "I have made a vow. By that I mean to win, or fall. Have you breakfasted, Owen?" "Not yet. I shall order a chop and a cup of chocolate." "You won't join me then?" "Well, under the circumstances, as we are to be mortal enemies, I hardly think it would be wise. I have some of the Arab's feeling about breaking bread or eating salt with an enemy." "I would give something to know who betrayed my little game." "Don't worry about it—my means are such that in order to learn what I wish I am not compelled to make traitors of those you trust." "And the man on the yacht?" "Oh! Darby is all right—you can depend upon it he will enjoy himself to the limit. If you read of a man breaking the bank at Monte Carlo presently, make up your mind it was Darby, and that your noble generosity is mainly responsible for his presence in that notable place." Jerome scowled and muttered something. [34] [34] "Perhaps it is as well you have decided to have your breakfast in another quarter. Somehow you have the knack of bruising me most savagely, and no doubt we should be at each other's throat like a couple of dogs, ere we finished. I wish to tell you distinctly that if you imagine you can frighten me off by such heroics you are chasing a mirage, a fata morgana as the deep sea sailors term it. I am not that kind of a man, and you will find that I sink or swim by my record."
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