text: " There was something of a sneer on Gerald's lip as he pronounced these words which probably augmented the feelings of anger that now evidently flushed the usually cold face of Maywood and darkened his brow; for the latter appeared to tremble with suppressed passion as he advanced upon his rival with the words-- "How now you Master what's-your-name? What warrants you to interfere thus ill advisedly in my concerns? If this man has given up to me at the midnight hour the watch over that offshoot of a rotten and corrupted stem of tyranny is it for you to stand between me and my purpose?" "Your purpose is doubtless of the best and truest and worthiest " replied Gerald with another flickering sneer upon his lip