This was known to Mr.Ferrol.One evening he stopped Nic as he was leaving the house, and said: "See, Nic, my boy, what's up?
I know a thing or so--what's the use of playing peek-a-boo ?" "What do you know, Ferrol ?" "What's between you and Vanne Castine, for instance.

Come, now, own up and tell me all about it.

I'm British; but I'm Nic Lavilette's friend anyhow." He insinuated into his tone that little touch of brogue which he used when particularly persuasive.

Nic put out his hand with a burst of good-natured frankness.
"Meet me in the store-room of the old farmhouse at nine o'clock, and I'll tell you.

Here's a key." Handing over the key, he grasped Ferrol's hand with an effusive confidence, and hurried out.