"
It seemed as though the man were a coward. He began to tremble, his lips
twitched, his eyes grew larger and rounder.
"What is it?" he faltered. "What do you want?"
"Just this," Lenora said firmly. "I suspect you to be guilty of the crime
for which Sanford Quest is in prison. I am going to have you questioned.
If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear. If you are guilty, there
will be some one here before long who will extract the truth from you."
The man's face was an epitome of terror. Even his knees shook. Lenora felt
herself grow calmer with every moment.
"I am going outside to send a message," she told him. "I shall return
presently."
"Don't go," he begged suddenly. "Don't leave me!"
She turned around.
"Why not?"
He drew a step nearer. Once more the few inches of blue steel flashed out
between them.
"None of your games," she warned him. "I am in earnest, and I am not
afraid to shoot."
"I won't come any nearer," he promised, "but listen! I am innocent--I have
done nothing wrong. If you keep me here, you will do more harm than you
can dream of."
"It is for other people to decide about your innocence," Lenora said
calmly. "I have nothing to do with that. If you are wise, you will stop
here quietly."
"Have you said anything to Mr. Ashleigh, miss?" the man asked piteously.
"Not a word."
An expression of relief shone for a moment upon his face. Lenora pointed
to a stool.
"Sit down there and wait quietly," she ordered.
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