"Exactly," said Vassalla. "I see you know the whole story; so he is the man who was killed?"
"He was, and I want to find out who killed him."
The eyebrows went up again incredulously.
"I hope you will succeed," said Vassalla, politely, "but in what way can I help you?"
"Do you know anyone who desired his death?"
"No.
"Not even his--wife?"
Vassalla rose to his feet with a bound, and looked fiercely at Ronald.
"This is an insult, sir," he hissed out between his teeth. "Do you dare to accuse my cousin of the murder?"
"I accuse no one," retorted Ronald, coolly. "I merely asked you if his wife would have been sorry at his death."