Vera suppressed a scream. She might have cried out, but something in the expression of Ralph's face restrained her.
"Are you sure of that?" she asked.
"As sure as one can be certain of anything, child. We are alone?"
"There is nobody else here, uncle."
"One cannot be too careful," Ralph muttered. "Then Geoffrey is safe."
"Thank Heaven. You have sent him somewhere, uncle?"
"No, I have not sent him anywhere. And you are not to ask any questions. I have told you so much to spare you the agony and suspense that will overtake the others. I tell you because had you not known, the mental strain might have broken you down," continued Ralph.
"Before long it will be proved almost beyond a demonstration that Geoffrey has become a victim to the family foe. There will be evidence to convince a jury, but all the time Geoffrey will be safe."
Vera said nothing. She could only gasp. Ralph's hand lay on her shoulder with a grip that was not devoid of pain.
"You are not to show your feelings to any one," he croaked. "You are not to betray your knowledge by a single sign. Ah, if I could tell you how much depends upon your courage, reticence, and your silence!"