"Very well. In the first place, you have recently spent some years in Central America."
"Ten years in Honduras," said Prale.
"You made a fortune down there. We have communicated with the authorities there and have learned many things about you. We have learned that you have a hot temper and know how to handle men. You have been known to beat natives terribly——"
"Rot! I was kinder than nine out of ten men of affairs. I have punished a few natives caught stealing, for instance."
"Recently, Mr. Prale, you cashed in on all your properties down there and announced that you were about to leave the country."
"That is correct," said Prale. "I made the million I went down there to make. Honduras is all right in some ways, but a man likes to live with his own kind. My home was in New York, and so, naturally, I decided to return here."
"Did you not tell some of your friends and acquaintances, before you left, that you were returning to New York for a certain purpose."
"I suppose that I did. My purpose was no secret. I had my pile and wanted to enjoy life a bit and perhaps I wanted to show off a bit, too. That was only natural, I suppose. I am proud of my success."
"Did you not hint that the purpose was something sinister—that you were going to have revenge, or something like that?"
"Certainly not."