Ashton-Kirk shot a quick look at him.
"Your personal regard for Dr. Morse's possible safety is not very great, then?"
"I wish him no harm. But there is no warm feeling between us. If you knew him you would understand the reason for this readily enough." He paused for a moment and then went on. "Perhaps," he said, "the matter, as I set it before you, seems absurd. But to Miss Corbin it is a continuous menace—a thing which throws its shadow across her uncle's daily path. To her, it is impossible that what has happened and is happening has not a deep significance; the apparent resolution behind it inspires her with awe. It is her firm conviction that if something is not soon done, unspeakable things will happen."
Ashton-Kirk paused by the table; the smoke from the heavy cigar curled pungently upward.
"What address did Mr. Karkowsky's card bear?" he inquired.
"It is in the Polish section. Corinth Avenue and Fourth Street."
"Do you know whether Dr. Morse has called upon him?"
"I do not. But I am inclined to think that he has not done so. However, I have taken it upon myself to pay the man a visit. He lodges upon a third floor, over a harness-maker; and when I entered he received me eagerly and with delight. But when I began to question him he grew enraged and ordered me from the place."
"You have never repeated the visit?"
"No."