“There are pawnbrokers⁠ ⁠… and, some day, I will be able to get something for it.”

“But that day may be too late.”

“Why?”

“Because by that time you may be in the hands of the police, and, with the evidence that I can furnish⁠—the knife, the key, the thumbmark⁠—what will become of you?”

Victor rested his head on his hands and reflected. He felt that he was lost, irremediably lost, and, at the same time, a sense of weariness and depression overcame him. He murmured, faintly:

“When must I give it to you?”

“Tonight⁠—within an hour.”

“If I refuse?”