Chapter 31

_Enter BATES._

_Bates._ What is the matter? 'Twas Lewson, and not Beverley, that left you. I heard him loud: you seem alarmed too.

_Stu._ Ay, and with reason. We are discovered.

_Bates._ I feared as much, and therefore cautioned you; but You were peremptory.

_Stu._ Thus fools talk ever; spending their idle breath on what is past; and trembling at the future. We must be active. Beverley, at worst, is but suspicious; but Lewson's genius, and his hate to Me, will lay all open. Means must be found to stop him.

_Bates._ What means?

_Stu._ Dispatch him--Nay, start not--Desperate occasions call for desperate deeds. We live but by his death.

_Bates._ You cannot mean it?

_Stu._ I do, by heaven.

_Bates._ Good night then. [_Going._

_Stu._ Stay. I must be heard, then answered. Perhaps the motion was too sudden; and human nature starts at murder, though strong necessity compels it. I have thought long of this; and my first feelings were like yours; a foolish conscience awed me, which soon I conquered. The man that would undo me, nature cries out, undo. Brutes know their foes by instinct; and where superior force is given, they use it for destruction. Shall man do less? Lewson pursues us to our ruin; and shall we, with the means to crush him, fly from our hunter, or turn and tear him? 'Tis folly even to hesitate.

_Bates._ He has obliged me, and I dare not.

_Stu._ Why, live to shame then, to beggary and punishment. You would be privy to the deed, yet want the soul to act it. Nay more; had my designs been levelled at his fortune, you had stept in the foremost. And what is life without its comforts? Those you would rob him of; and by a lingering death, add cruelty to murder. Henceforth adieu to half-made villains--there's danger in them. What you have got is your's; keep it, and hide with it: I'll deal my future bounty to those who merit it.

_Bates._ What's the reward?

_Stu._ Equal division of our gains. I swear it, and will be just.

_Bates._ Think of the means then.

_Stu._ He's gone to Beverley's-- Wait for him in the street--'tis a dark night, and fit for mischief. A dagger would be useful.

_Bates._ He sleeps no more.

_Stu._ Consider the reward! When the deed's done, I have farther business with you. Send Dawson to me.

_Bates._ Think it already done--and so farewel. [_Exit._

_Stu._ Why, farewel Lewson then; and farewel to my fears. This night secures me. I'll wait the event within. [_Exit._