“ ‘Let me hear you speak,’ said the convict, in a thick, broken voice.

“ ‘Stand off!’ cried the old man, with a dreadful oath. The convict drew closer to him.

“ ‘Stand off!’ shrieked the old man. Furious with terror, he raised his stick, and struck Edmunds a heavy blow across the face.

“ ‘Father⁠—devil!’ murmured the convict between his set teeth. He rushed wildly forward, and clenched the old man by the throat⁠—but he was his father; and his arm fell powerless by his side.