"What is the object?" demanded Paula.
The lawyer evaded a direct answer.
"Your interests," he replied quickly, "are perfectly safe in your uncle's hands. Oh, if I could only convince you—but never mind." Turning to the doctor, he said, in a low tone:
"Observe the unnatural glitter of the eye when I mention the uncle. Will you proceed, gentlemen?"
From the time that Paula seated herself Dr. Zacharie kept his big, black eyes fixed on her. Once or twice she turned, and, noticing the persistence of his stare, she shuddered involuntarily. It made her restless and uncomfortable. She wondered if Harry Parkes had succeeded in telephoning to Tod. If only he would come! She didn't know what he could do to help her. These men, no doubt, had some sort of legal authority to torture her in this way, but Tod's mere presence would reassure her and help her to bear the ordeal.
"Doctor," said Professor Bodley pompously, "I think you had better——"
Dr. McMutrie began fumbling with some papers. Looking up, he said:
"Certainly, certainly. What is your age, Miss Marsh?"
"Twenty," she replied quietly.
The inspector cleared his throat and went on: