"Certainly, and nothing more. If you knew her you will bear me out in the statement that she was something of a coquette in her way."

"I know nothing about that."

"You hadn't met her in some years perhaps."

"I admit that I had not. See here, Mr. Bordine, alias Barkswell, we may as well come to an understanding. I consider you a dangerous man, and propose to put you in a safe place."

At this moment a ring of cold steel touched the temple of Bordine, who regarded the detective in silent astonishment.

A revolver was against his temple.

"What does this mean?" demanded Bordine.

"That you are my prisoner, forger and assassin!" hissed Silas Keene.

The next instant a pair of handcuffs were snapped over the young engineer's wrists.

CHAPTER VIII.