"Death, transportation, or life-long imprisonment to them all -
misery and disgrace to many a noble house; for some I saw there
were once friends of mine, with families I honor and respect.
Could I bring the dwarf and his attendant imps to Tyburn, and
treat them to a hempen cravat, I would do it without remorse -
though the notion of being informer, even then, would not be very
pleasant; but as it is, I cannot be the death of one without
ruining all, and as I told you, some of those were once my
friends. No, madame, I cannot do it. I have but once to die and
I prefer death here, to purchasing life at such a price."
_____________
There was a short silence, during which they gazed into each
other's eyes ominously, and one was about as colorless as the
other.
"You refuse?" she coldly said.
"I must! But if you can save my life, as you say, why not do it,
and fly with me? You will find me the truest and most grateful
of friends, while life remains."
"You are very kind; but I want no friendship, Sir Norman -
nothing but revenge! As to escaping, I could have done that any
time since we came here, for I have found out a secret means of
exit from each of these vaults, that they know nothing of.
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