I felt my nerves chill at this, with sudden dread for Helga. He noticed the change instantly. Nothing seemed to escape those piercing eyes of his.
“The facts are as I have told you. His revolver was at my head when I got the drop on him and fired. It was his life or mine.”
“Exactly. I don’t think you need bother your head about the matter. My men are out there by this time, and we know how to deal with such cases. Vastic was one of the few really dangerous men in this brotherhood, and by killing him you have added to our obligation. We shall try to avoid any fuss. By the way, were there any witnesses?”
He was the devil with these quietly-put, probing, torturing questions.
“What was the account they gave of it? A second man was joined in the attempt and witnessed it.”
He saw the obvious parry.
“Naturally nothing was said of that,” he answered with a laugh. “I mean, was Boreski present? You see, it would be most valuable to be able to connect him with it, and his presence would be enough.”
“No, Boreski was not in the house,” I answered, cursing him in my thoughts for torture he inflicted.
“Then why did you stay there?”
“I have told you—because of the threat to use the papers.”