Briarfield drew back with a queer look in his eyes, as if he thought my madness was increasing. However, he overcame the dread my actions apparently caused him, and answered civilly enough.
"Certainly! If it will do you any good. What is it you wish to know?"
"Were you in England within the last seven days?"
"No! I have not been in England for at least six weeks."
"Do you know the Fen Inn?"
"Never heard of it in all my life."
"Are you acquainted with a girl named Rose Strent?"
"I don't even know her name."
"When did your brother Francis return to England from South America?"
"Three months ago."