“You were there three nights last week. What’s more, you tried to draw your next month’s wages. That struck me as significant, though I’d fortunately provided against it.”
“So I found out. I suppose I ought to be grateful for your thoughtfulness but can’t say I am. I wanted the money because I had a run of wretched luck.”
“At the casino?”
“No,” said Jake, shortly.
“Then you were at Kenwardine’s; I’ll own that’s what I wanted to prevent. He’s a dangerous man and his house is no place for you.”
“One would hardly expect you to speak against him. Considering everything, it’s perhaps not quite in good taste.”
Dick put down the drawing-board and looked at him steadily. “It’s very bad taste. In fact, I find myself in a very awkward situation. Your father gave me a fresh start when I needed it badly, and agreed when your sister put you in my charge.”
“Ida’s sometimes a bit officious,” Jake remarked.
“Well,” Dick continued, “I promised to look after you, and although I didn’t know what I was undertaking, the promise must be kept. It’s true that Kenwardine afterwards did me a great service; but his placing me under an obligation doesn’t relieve me from the other, which I’d incurred first.”
Somewhat to his surprise, Jake nodded agreement. “No, not from your point of view. But what makes you think Kenwardine is dangerous?”