I nodded.
"I do not know what method my father will take to insure your silence. The future is in his hands."
"It is likely then that my fate may be similar to that of the old nurse whose neck was broken," I said. She was startled.
"You know that, too?" she said.
"Yes, I know."
"How do you a stranger in Bharbazonia know this?"
"General Palmora has always suspected something. He told me."
"When father learns of this I fear for your life, sir."
I bowed; there was nothing to say.
"Perhaps you will explain, Dr. Wharton, why you are willing to withhold from your friends that which they would give much to know," she asked.