IN CAPTIVITY. 405 "And when, and how, may I ask, do you propose to manage thîs?" replied Mrs. Weldon, forcing herself to be calm. " Hère, and soon too. I suppose Weldon wîll not mind coming to fetch you."
- He would not hesîtate to corne ; but how could hc
know we are hère ? "
- I wili go to him. I hâve money that wîll take me to
San Francisco." " What you stole from the * Pilgrîm '? " said Mrs. Weldon.
- Just so/' replied Negoro ; " and I hâve plcnty more. I
suppose when Weldon hears that you are a prisoner in Central Africa, he will not think much of a hundred thou- sand dollars." •* But how îs he to know the truth of your statement ? " " I shall take him a letter from you. You shali represent me as your faithful servant, just escaped from the hands of savages." " A letter such as that I will never writc ; never," said Mrs. Weldon decisîvely. " What ? what > you refuse ?" « I refuse." She had ail the natural cravings of a woman and a wîfe, but so thoroughly was she aware of the treachcry of the man she had to deal with, that she dreaded lest, as soon as he had touched the ransom, he would dispose of her husband altogether. There was a short silence. You will Write that letter," said Negoro. Never ! " repeated Mrs. Weldon. Remember your child ! " Mrs. Weldon's heart beat violently, but she did not answer a word. " I wîll gîve you a week to think over this,'* hissed out Negoro. Mrs. Weldon was still silent. "A week ! I will come again in a week ; you wîll do as I wishy or ît will be the worse for you." He g^ashed his teeth, turned on his hecl, and left the hut.
