"No. He told me much, but he wouldn't tell me the subject of your conversation with him because he'd promised you he wouldn't. He was adamant. That's why I've had to get it out of you."
"Oh!" She slumped again into her chair. "You—you creature!"
"I know," he said apologetically. "But what's a man to do if people hold out on him?"
"I suppose," said Miss Ocky in a small voice, "this is a judgment on me for wondering how a detective works!"
"Possibly. Did he make any threats?"
"No!" said Miss Ocky.
"Um. Would you tell me if he did?"
"N-no," said the lady.
"It makes a fellow long for the days of the Spanish Inquisition," said Creighton, addressing the fireplace. He added darkly, "There are several persons around that I could enjoy putting on a cozy little rack!"
"It's no use being bloodthirsty," she informed him. "As for Bates—! Oh, I do wish you'd stop getting ideas into your head!"