Either you shall immediately summon Miss
Fonblanque, or I leave this house and put myself under the
direction of the police.'
'This is horrible!' exclaimed the man. 'I declare before Heaven I
am the person meant, but how shall I convince you? It must have
been Clara, I perceive, that sent you on this errand--a madwoman,
who jests with the most deadly interests; and here we are
incapable, perhaps, of an agreement, and Heaven knows what may
depend on our delay!'
He spoke with a really startling earnestness; and at the same time
there flashed upon the mind of Challoner the ridiculous jingle
which was to serve as password. 'This may, perhaps, assist you,'
he said, and then, with some embarrassment, '"Nigger, nigger, never
die."'
A light of relief broke upon the troubled countenance of the man
with the chin-beard. '"Black face and shining eye"--give me the
letter,' he panted, in one gasp.
'Well,' said Challoner, though still with some reluctance, 'I
suppose I must regard you as the proper recipient; and though I may
justly complain of the spirit in which I have been treated, I am
only too glad to be done with all responsibility.
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