"No, I can't promise that. If you know where Frisco is you must tell me. I want to have that man hanged." Joyce started up with a cry. "I am sorry Robin, if he is your father, but as he is a murderer also he must--"
"One moment," interposed Santiago coolly, "Frisco is no murderer."
"Indeed? Then, as you were in possession of the pistol with which Colonel Carr was shot, perhaps you can tell me who used it. That is," said Herrick significantly, "if you did not use it yourself."
"I don't use weapons of that sort," said Santiago scornfully, "besides it was my game to frighten Carr, not to kill him."
"I see. It was you who sent those warnings in cipher."
"You know that do you. Yes, it was I, and to make Carr afraid. He had few good nights after he got those warnings I know."
"They were all bluff?"
"So far as I was concerned," replied Santiago easily, "but had I chosen they could have been sent in deadly earnest."
"I do not understand."
"I do not think you will until I explain. But first I must be assured of my own safety before I speak."