"By all means; please don't hesitate."
"Well, then, is it true that you want to have Jabez arrested?"
"Let me answer you with another. Who told you I did?"
"The man you call the Shadow."
Barton frowned.
"Did he, indeed? I thought he was more discreet. I must speak to him. Well, and suppose I do wish to have Jabez arrested, what then?"
"I forbid you to!"
He could scarcely believe his ears.
"You forbid me—well, really," he sneered. "So far I cannot congratulate you on the object of your visit. And pray may I ask how do you intend to enforce this prohibition, for I take it you are prepared—or rather, think you are—to enforce it?"
"By exposing you to the parish—to the world. I know Mother Mandarin, sir; therefore I know you. You are an opium smoker—and worse!" she said.