What do you say to going down to work always in our lead-mine ?" "Nothing," said Ralph coldly.
"Better to live in the dark there, on bread and water, than to be killed." Ralph made no reply, but gazed fixedly in the speaker's eyes.
"Better beg for your life, boy," said Mark, placing his foot now on the prisoner's chest.
"What! of you ?" cried Ralph.
"Yes: I might make you my lackey, to wait upon me.

That is what the Darleys should do for the Edens." "You coward!" said Ralph, with his pale face flushing now.
"What!" cried Mark.

"Oh yes, call names like a girl.

Come: beg for your life." Ralph's answer was a fierce and scornful look, which told of what he would do if his hands were free.

Then for a few moments he struggled, and Mark laughed.
"No good," he said; "our men can tie knots fast enough to hold a Darley." The men, who stood at a little distance, laughed together in their satisfaction as they eagerly waited to see what was to come.