“I know it,” repeated the man, quietly, “as well as I know that you and George Radfoot were one together in more than one dark business; and as well as I know that you, Roger Riderhood, conspired against an innocent man for blood-money; and as well as I know that I can⁠—and that I swear I will!⁠—give you up on both scores, and be the proof against you in my own person, if you defy me!”

“Father!” cried Pleasant, from the door. “Don’t defy him! Give way to him! Don’t get into more trouble, father!”

“Will you leave off a Poll Parroting, I ask you?” cried Mr. Riderhood, half beside himself between the two. Then, propitiatingly and crawlingly: “You sir! You han’t said what you want of me. Is it fair, is it worthy of yourself, to talk of my defying you afore ever you say what you want of me?”