"Oh, I don't think so. Any one who comes here finds it to his interest to conciliate me, not to threaten. But I confess that I was rather startled the other night."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll come to the story in time. Because I intend to tell it, I drew your attention to my hours. Well, Mr. Allen," Mask leaned back again, "and what can I do for you?"
"Tell me where my father is."
"I can't do that. I have not your father's permission to do so."
"How long will he be away?"
"Until I can induce him to return," said Mask blandly.
Allen leaned forward, and looked the lawyer in the eyes. "Is my father afraid of being arrested?"
Mask started. "No. Why do you say that?"
"Because--but before I tell you, may I ask his reason for staying away?"