Lambert watched him in a bursting fury, at whiles scanning the
empty hills with a raging eye. Suddenly light dawned on him: "Are you
the boy who stole the flying-machine?" he cried.
"You mind your own business!" said Tinker tartly; it was his cherished
belief that he had borrowed the flying-machine.
Mr. Lambert understood at last with whom he had to deal; and the
knowledge was not cheering. His angry stomach clamoured at him to come
to terms, but his greed was still too strong for it.
"The time is up, Lambert of London!" said Tinker presently, very
sternly. "Will you ransom your base carcase?"
The money-lender turned his back on him with a lofty dignity.
"Ha! ha! Hunger shall tame that proud spirit!" said the Baron of
Ardrochan.
Suddenly the money-lender heard the door opened, and he dashed for the
ladder. He scrambled down it in time to hear the key turn again, but
the jug of water stood inside. He took it up and drank a deep draught.
He had not known that he was so thirsty, never dreamed that water could
be so appetising. He heard Tinker summon his men, and when he came
back to the top of the tower, he was riding away. He watched him go
with a sinking heart, and, since he was so empty, it had a good depth
to sink to.
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