"She was your niece, you say?"
"She was," said the man, "though it's no business of yours; she belonged to me."
"So I presume, or you would not have ill-treated her," retorted Adrien dryly. "When did you see her last?"
"Over a month ago--as well you know," returned Wilfer coarsely. "She ran off the morning you came gallivanting after her."
Adrien could have knocked the man down, but he restrained the longing, and said instead:
"I thought you told me she'd robbed you, and had run away? That was a lie, I suppose?"
"'Course it was. Who wouldn't lie to save his gal from such as you fine gentlemen? I know yer, so it's no use coming this talky-talky surprise with me. You just tell me where she is."
"I tell you," reiterated Adrien, "I have never seen the child since the night I took her from the cold. Stand out of my path, or I shall hand you over to the police."
Mr. Wilfer laughed.
"So that's your answer, is it? Call away, my fine gentleman, call away."