I started a second too soon for our friend--and our exchange of compliments sent him to eternity." "It was in self-defence, then ?" "Scarcely that.

He would have run away if he could.

I decided otherwise." "Tell me who he was," I insisted.
Ray shook his head.
"Better for you not to know," he remarked reflectively.

"Much better." My cheeks grew hot with anger.
"Colonel Ray," I said, "this may yet be a serious affair for you.

Why you should assume that I am willing to be a silent accessory to your crime I cannot imagine.