"Think again, Mr. Lemby. You are in a difficult position, and notwithstanding your frankness at the inquest. Sergeant Purse may have suspicions that you did not reveal all. You need a friend, and I am willing to be that friend."
"At a price, I suppose?"
"Naturally. I wish you to consent to my marriage with Claudia if I succeed in getting you out of this trouble."
Lemby rose again, and began to walk up and down the room like a caged beast. "I am in no trouble," he raged fiercely.
"No, not now; but you may be. And your words to Claudia hint that you expect some sort of trouble."
"She had no right to speak to you."
"Oh, I think she had," rejoined Craver, equably. "Claudia knows that I love her and am her true friend. You have caused her much distress by your hints that you are in danger, so it is right that she should seek comfort from me. And as you are her father, it is not likely that I will jeopardise your freedom."
"I am in no danger of losing my freedom," was the angry reply.
"Then why did you use those words to Claudia?"
"To make her do what I want."