"Call it threatening, if you like. I do not intend to break my word to Josephine. I demand no answer to questions which may concern her, for that is my promise. But between you and me there are certain things which must be explained. I concede that I was mistaken in believing that it was you with whom I fought in the forest. But it was you who looked through my window earlier in the night, with a pistol in your hand. You would have killed me if I had not turned."
Genuine surprise shot into Jean's face.
"I have not been near your window, M'sieur. Until I returned with M'sieur Adare I was waiting up the river, several miles from here. Since then I have not left the house. Josephine and her father can tell you this, if you need proof."
"Your words are impossible!" exclaimed Philip. "I could not have been mistaken. It was you."
"Will you believe Josephine, M'sieur? She will tell you that I could not have been at the window."
"If it was not you—who was it?"
"It must have been the man who shot at you," replied Jean.
"And you know who that man is, and yet refuse to tell me in order that he may have another opportunity of finishing what he failed to do to-night. The most I can do is to inform John Adare."
"You will not do that," said Jean confidently. Again he showed excitement. "Do you know what it would mean?" he demanded.
"Trouble for you," volunteered Philip,