"What else did Mr. Keesing tell you?" she asked scornfully.
Riever's attempt to carry it off lightly was painful to see. "Oh, I don't take any stock in it," he said with his laugh.
"But I ought to know, shouldn't I?"
Riever laughed excessively. "Said you had no intention of giving him up until he surprised you together. Said you were just walking up and down the beach talking." His eyes were darting ugly, pained glances at her.
Pen laughed too. "In the full moonlight!" she exclaimed. She was secretly relieved. If Keesing had overheard their talk he would of course have repeated it.
"I told you there was nothing in it," said Riever.
"If I was ... friendly with him, do you think I'm the sort of person to give him up?" demanded Pen.
"Certainly not ... But Keesing said after he had recognized Counsell, there was nothing else for you to do."
"If I'd wanted to save the other man I could have shot Keesing," said Pen boldly.
Riever stared. "Well ... I believe you are capable of it," he muttered. That at least was honest.