"Whether a horse whip or the toe of a shooting boot is the best cure for your complaint."
The lawyer shrank back into his chair.
"Do you threaten me?" he jerked out. "Be careful!"
"If I threatened you I'd certainly do what I threatened," said Ned. "So far I'm only wondering. Where did you learn to lie, Mr. Rattar?"
The lawyer made no answer at all. His mind seemed concentrated on guessing the other's probable actions.
"Out with it, man! I've met some derned good liars in my time, but you beat the lot. I'm anxious to know where you learned the trick, that's all."
"Why do you believe her more than me?" asked Simon.
"Because you've been found out lying before. That was a pretty stiff one about your engaging Carrington, wasn't it?"
Simon was quite unable to control his violent start, and his face turned whiter.
"I—I didn't say I did," he stammered.