On the threat of exposure they would
simply leave England at once. Nothing could induce them to part--
be quite sure of that. The man, as I said, has a high position, and
you might be tempted to suppose that--to speak coarsely--he
would pay blackmail. Don't think it for a moment. He is far too wise
to persevere in what would be a lost game; they would at once go
abroad. It is only on the stage that men consent to pay for the
keeping of a secret which is quite certain not to be kept."
Northway had followed with eager attention, pinching his long throat
and drawing in his cheeks.
"Well, what do you want me to do?" he asked.
"To remain hero in Bristol for a week or so longer. I will then
telegraph to you, and tell you where to meet me."
"Is it far from here?"
"A couple of hours' journey, or so. If you will allow me, I will pay
your fare at once."
He took out a sovereign, which Northway, after a moment's
hesitation, accepted.
"Do you take any interest in the elections?" Glazzard asked.
"Not much," replied the other, reassuming his intellectual air. "One
party is as worthless as the other from my point of view."
"I'm glad to hear that--you'll understand why when we meet again.
And, indeed, I quite agree with you."
"Politics are no use nowadays," pursued Northway. "The questions of
the time are social.
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