I merely asked that to be asking.

Now, to be serious, have n't you some enemies, Mr.Fairchild ?" "Have I ?" "I was merely asking." "And I judged from your question that you seemed to know." "So I do.

And one friend." Barnham pursed his heavy lips and nodded in an authoritative manner.

"One, very, very good friend." "I was hoping that I had more than that." "Ah, perhaps so.

But I speak only from what I know.