"That's an ugly word, von Erstein."
"And the whole thing was an ugly business. He was a spy and wanted some secrets; you were able to find them out; and you were suddenly found to be in possession of a big sum of money. How did you get it?"
"Honestly, I hope," I answered with intentional flippancy.
"How did you get it? And how did you get the information, too? That's the question; and if you won't answer it, I can. But you'd better not force me to open my lips."
"I'm beginning to get awfully interested. Like a story, isn't it?" and I laughed.
"You'd better laugh while you can," he rapped, swearing viciously.
"Of course you mean I sold the information to the Frenchman and that that accounts for my having that sudden money."
"I not only mean it, I can prove it. Prove it, do you understand that?"
I gave him another grin and shook my head. "Some one's been pulling your leg, von Erstein. The whole thing's just bosh."
"It's no good, Lassen. I've got you here;" and he held out his hand and clenched it. "Here! And no wriggling humbug about loss of memory will help you to get out."