"I'm afraid not. I hear the verdict was suicide."
"Yes, and I don't agree with the verdict."
Roger turned round quickly, and looked straight at his companion, who was staring absently at the fire.
"Indeed," he said at length. "Why not?"
"Eh! Oh, I don't know; I've got my reasons," replied Fanks, coolly, evidently not wishing to continue the subject. "By the way, how long are you going to stop here?"
"Just for to-night; I'm off to-morrow."
"So am I. London?"
"No, I'm going to continue my walking tour."
"Ah, sly dog," cried Fanks, gaily, "I understand. You are going to look up Miss Varlins again."
Roger bit his nether lip hard, and replied, coldly, in a somewhat sober fashion, neither affirming nor denying the insinuation: