Did Mr.Douglas entirely approve your friendship with his wife ?" Barker grew paler, and his great, strong hands were clasped convulsively together.

"You have no right to ask such questions!" he cried.

"What has this to do with the matter you are investigating ?" "I must repeat the question." "Well, I refuse to answer." "You can refuse to answer; but you must be aware that your refusal is in itself an answer, for you would not refuse if you had not something to conceal." Barker stood for a moment with his face set grimly and his strong black eyebrows drawn low in intense thought.

Then he looked up with a smile.
"Well, I guess you gentlemen are only doing your clear duty after all, and I have no right to stand in the way of it.

I'd only ask you not to worry Mrs.Douglas over this matter; for she has enough upon her just now.