"The name of your informant will be demanded, of course."
"Yes, but I shall not give it!"
"Then will come a challenge."
"Hardly!" Royson arose and closed the door. "If you have a few moments and do not mind hearing this, I will tell you in confidence the whole business. Who would be sought to make a demand upon me for the name of my informant?"
"One of the Montjoys naturally, but your relationship barring them they would perhaps find Mr. Morgan a second."
"But suppose that I prove conclusively that the information came from a member of the Montjoy family? What could they do? Under the circumstances which have arisen their hands are tied. As a matter of fact I am the only one that can protect them. If the matter came to that point, as a last resort I could refuse to fight, for the reason given in the letter."
Barksdale was silent. The whole devilish plot flashed upon him. He knew in advance the person described as a member of the Montjoy family, and he knew the base motives of the man who at that moment was dishonoring him with his confidence. His blood boiled within him. Cool and calm as he was by nature, his face showed emotion as he arose and said:
"I think I understand."
Royson stood by the door, his hand upon the knob, after his visitor had gone.
"It was a mistake; a great mistake," he said to himself in a whisper. "I have simply acted the fool!"