He would have drawn back; but it was too late.

He went on doggedly-- "Were not all these persons you named acquainted with Mr.Anderson in his public capacity?
His success in the strike of last year brought him a great notoriety.

But his private history--his family and antecedents--have you gathered anything at all about them ?" Something that he could not decipher flashed through Elizabeth's expression.

It was a strange and thrilling sense that what she had gathered she would not reveal for--a kingdom! "Monsieur Mariette told me all that anyone need want to know!" she cried, breathing quick.

"Ask him what he thinks--what he feels! But if you ask _me_, I think Mr.Anderson carries his history in his face." Delaine pondered a moment, while Elizabeth waited, challenging, expectant, her brown eyes all vivacity.
"Well--some facts have come to my knowledge," he said, at last, "which have made me ask you these questions.