Sowinski ground his teeth. Rage and fear struggled for the mastery; but fear, as Jack had calculated, was the stronger. The man's eye never left the barrel.
"First, Mr. Sowinski," continued Jack, rising, and now pointing the revolver steadily at his head; "first, I wish to know where my father is."
"Your father? How should I know? Am I your father's keeper? He was deported."
"You lie!" said Jack, his voice vibrant with anger. "Come, your reply; your life depends on it."
Visibly cowed by Jack's menacing look and tone, the Pole replied sullenly:
"Well, it is true; he was taken to Harbin, to be delivered to General Kriloff."
"And where is he now?"
"I do not know. I swear that is the truth. General Bekovitch——"
"Does he know?"
"I cannot say. I do not know what message he sent to General Kriloff. I have heard nothing of your father since he went away."