as there are snakes in Virginia. Let the old cuss
go, Murcott.

Coyle Burglars! oh, you shall dearly pay for this.

Asa Yes, I'll pay--but I guess you'll find the change.

Coyle The law--the law shall aid me.

Asa Wal, perhaps it would be as well not to call in the law just yet. It
might look a little further than might be convenient.

Mur It's no use to blunder, Mr. Coyle, you are harmless to us now, for
we have that, that will crush you.

Coyle Well, what are your conditions? money, how much?

Asa Wal, we warn't thinking of coming down on your dollars. But you have
an appointment with Sir Edward at two, haven't you?

Coyle Well?

Asa Well, I want you to keep that appointment.

Coyle Keep it?

Asa Yes, and that's all I do want you to keep of his, and instead of
saying you have come to foreclose the mortgage, I want you to say, you
have found the release which proves the mortgage to have been paid off.

Coyle I accept. Is that all?

Asa Not quite. Then I want you to pay off the execution debts.

Coyle What, I pay Sir Edward's debts?

Asa Yes, with Sir Edward's money that stuck to your fingers naturally
while passing through your hands.

Coyle [To Murcott.] Traitor!

Mur He knows all, Mr. Coyle.

Coyle Is there anything more!

Asa yes, I want you to apologize to Miss Florence Trenchard, for having
the darned impudence to propose for her hand.

Coyle What more?

Asa Then you resign your stewardship in favor of your clerk, Abel
Murcott.

Coyle What, that drunkard vagabond?

Asa Well, he was, but he's going to take the pledge at the first pump he
comes to.

Mur Yes, I _will_ conquer the demon drink, or die in the struggle with
him.

Coyle Well, anything more?

Asa Yes, I think the next thing will be to get washed. You're not a
handsome man at best, and now you're awful. [Coyle makes a dash at
Murcott. Asa catches him and turns him round to R.] Mr. Coyle, in your
present state of mind, you had better go first.

Coyle [Bitterly.] Oh, sir, it is your turn now.

Asa Yes, it is my turn, but you can have the first wash. Come along
Murcott. [Exeunt, R. 1 E]

Change Scene

Scene 7--Library in Trenchard Manor in 3 or 4.

Sir Edward discovered seated R. of table.

Sir E The clock is on the stroke of two, and Coyle is waiting my
decision. In giving her to him, I know I shall be embittering her life
to save my fortune, but appearances--no, no, I will not sacrifice her
young life so