"Is it true?" said Merle again, seeing that the young man kept silent.
"Before I answer that question I must ask you to explain your connection with Miss Linisfarne."
Merle stared at him with a terrified expression, and could hardly force his dry lips to speak. When he did manage to find his tongue it was to tell an untruth.
"I have no connection with Miss Linisfarne. All the time she has been in Farbis I have never seen her."
"Then why trouble to ask if I love her?"
"Because you have no right to love her," replied Merle, vehemently. "I forbid you--I forbid you! I shall speak to Tinker Tim. I--I----"
His voice faltered and died away in his throat, for Dan had seized him by the shoulder, and was speaking to him in a very peremptory manner.
"There must be an end to this, Dr. Merle," he said decisively. "I cannot allow you to meddle with my private affairs without having some explanation. You spoke of Miss Linisfarne--you speak of Tinker Tim. Between the three of you there is some understanding. Now, what is it?"
"I daren't tell," whimpered the wretched creature, thoroughly frightened by this vehemence. "There is nothing--nothing."
"Yes, there is! Out with it, sir. Before you leave this place I must know."