"That is, afraid of nothing but my father's obstinacy! I know him.

And I know that if he's said he won't tell anything about his whereabouts last night, he won't! And if you want to help him--as you seem to do--you must recognize that." "Wouldn't he tell you ?" suggested Brereton.
The girl shook her head.
"Once or twice a year," she answered, "he goes away for a night, like that, and I never know--never have known--where he goes.

There's some mystery about it--I know there is.

He won't tell--he'll let things go to the last, and even then he won't tell.

You won't be able to help him that way--there's only one way you can help." "What way ?" asked Bent.
"Find the murderer!" exclaimed Avice with a quick flash of her eyes in Brereton's direction.