"Yes, in 1876."
"I wasn't there then."
Roscoe grew a shade paler, but he was firm and composed. He was determined to answer truthfully any question that was asked him, wherever it might lead.
"Nor in Samoa?"
There was the slightest pause, and then the reply came:
"Yes, in Samoa."
"Not a missionary, by gracious! Not a mickonaree in Samoa?"
"No." He said nothing further. He did not feel bound to incriminate himself.
"No? Well, you wasn't a beachcomber, nor trader, I'll swear. Was you there in the last half of the Seventies? That's when I was there."
"Yes." The reply was quiet.