"Very good again." Mr. Barnham raised a fat hand and wheezed in an effort at intense enjoyment of the reply. "So I have—so I have. I merely asked that to be asking. Now, to be serious, have n't you some enemies, Mr. Fairchild?"
"Have I?"
"I was merely asking."
"And I judged from your question that you seemed to know."
"So I do. And one friend." Barnham pursed his heavy lips and nodded in an authoritative manner. "One, very, very good friend."
"I was hoping that I had more than that."
"Ah, perhaps so. But I speak only from what I know. There is one person who is very anxious about your welfare."
"So?"
Mr. Barnham leaned forward in an exceedingly friendly manner.
"Well, is n't there?"