The brief question covered so much ground--showed a knowledge of the whole case.

Like Conscience itself, the little black notary had gone straight to the point, struck home.
He was keen enough, however, had sufficient self-command, not to betray himself, but remained unmoved outwardly, and spoke calmly.
"Is that your business--to go round the parish asking conundrums ?" he said coolly.

"I can't guess the answer to that one, can you ?" Shangois hated cowards, and liked clever people--people who could answer him after his own fashion.

Nearly everybody was afraid of his tongue and of him.

He knew too much; which was a crime.
"I can find out," he replied, showing his teeth a little.
"Then you're not quite sure yourself, little devilkin ?" "The girl is a riddle.