"John Smith, sir," answered Carstares promptly and hoarsely. O'Hara wrote it down with a sceptical smile on his lips that Jack did not quite like.
"Perhaps ye will have the goodness to unmask?"
There was a momentary silence.
"Why, sir, I thought ye might allow me to keep it on?"
"Did ye now? I will not be allowing any such thing."
"But, sir—"
"'Tis impossible. Off with it!"
"Sir—"
"If ye don't take it off, I shall ask these men to assist ye," warned Miles.
"May I not speak with ye alone, sir?" pleaded Jack. By now O'Hara was greatly intrigued.