I had told Jennings the detective all I knew." "You were not afraid ?" "Afraid!" echoed Cuthbert, opening his eyes.

"What do you mean ?" She looked into his eyes.

"No," she said to herself, "he is not afraid." Cuthbert lost his temper.

"I don't understand all this," he declared, "if you would only speak out.

But I can guess why you wish me to stop the proceedings--you fear for Basil!" She stepped back a pace.