Receiving no reply from Charles, who sat moodily gazing into the fire, he continued, "We've been together now ever since we were babies, and although there will come a time when we must be separated, it does seem a pity that out here it should have to take place in such a manner."
"Well, who's to blame?" asked Charles savagely.
"You heard what Ranger said?"
"And of course you believe him?"
"I don't say that I do. I want to hear your version of his story."
"You heard what I said also?"
"That amounted to nothing. You had better have told him you had not written the letter."
"Why should I? What right had he to ask such a question?"
"It would have been so easy, and would have no doubt put an end to the matter."
"Don't you believe it. That man had come with his mind made up, and any denials on my part would have been of no avail."