None of those who looked could help but be struck by Garrod's extraordinary apathy. He sat, as he had continued to sit since he came in, looking before him with eyes devoid of all expression.
"Garrod!" said Sir Bryson sharply.
After the usual pause Garrod replied like an automaton without moving his eyes: "Yes, Sir Bryson?"
The governor was very much shaken. "Well, well," he stammered. "If it's hypnotism, who's doing it?"
Mary looked squarely at the man she accused. "Ask Jean Paul Ascota, the wonder-worker, the conjurer, the medicine man!"
Jean Paul started, and looked at her with a deprecating smile. From her he looked at Sir Bryson with the hint of a shrug, as much as to ask him to excuse her for what she was saying. It was almost too well done. Mary's eyes clung to him steadily, and any one who looked hard enough could have seen uneasiness behind the man's smiling mask. Sir Bryson, however, wished to be deceived.
He puffed and blew. "Preposterous!" he cried, casting his eyes around the little circle for support.
"Send Jean Paul away out of sight and hearing, and we will see if I am right," said Mary.
"I'll do no such thing," said Sir Bryson irritably. "We all know what your interest is in this case, my young lady. You are one of the beneficiaries of this young rascal's generosity!"
Jack suddenly came to life. He turned red, and leaned threateningly over Sir Bryson's table. "Sir Bryson——" he began with glittering eyes.