"From Miss Kendrick."
"Ah! I presumed that such a matter would be decided by the head of the household." His tone was even, and I looked to his face for the flavor of sarcasm that seemed the proper dressing for the words. But the bland, inscrutable mask of China gave back only the expression of polite attention.
"Her decision would be final in such a matter," I replied with something of resentment.
"Then," said Big Sam in his suave tone, "I trust that she understands the responsibility she is taking."
"I explained the importance you set upon it."
"Oh, I did not refer to my interests," said Big Sam, waving them aside as though they were of no moment.
"Then I am afraid I don't understand you," I said in perturbation.
"It is very simple. If the girl dies I can no longer answer for the conduct of the tongs. And if she dies in Mr. Kendrick's house--"
Big Sam left the sentence unfinished, and I asked:
"Do you mean that as a threat of an attack on Mr. Kendrick or his niece?"