He seemed in no hurry to
continue the subject. Thus far the effect warranted his most sanguine
hopes of the realization of his great schemes.
Jaspar, after recovering some portion of his former calmness, said,
"May I ask how you obtained possession of the document?"
"That question, sir, I must decline answering."
"You will, at least, show me the paper?"
"That also I must decline."
Jaspar bit his lip.
"How shall I know, then, that you are not deceiving me?"
"I assure you that I have the document, and you must trust to my honor
for the rest."
"Honor!" exclaimed Jaspar, giving way to his passion. "No one but a
scoundrel ever talks of his honor! By ----, I only want to hear that
word, to know that the man is a ---- rascal!"
"Very well, sir, I shall be under the necessity of seeking out your
niece."
"My niece!" roared Jaspar, terror-stricken. "Did you not see her buried
at Vicksburg?"
"It might have been she, but it is scarcely possible."
"Hell!" shouted Jaspar, unable to govern his fury. With long strides he
paced the room, his teeth grating like a madman's, and his eyes
bloodshot and glaring like those of a demon.
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