"Yes?" The little word pulsed with restrained excitement.
"I asked the fellow on what defence he relied, and he said what made me think he had the pull of some threat over the person he relied on. He had had a telegram."
"I don't exactly understand, Mr. Durgan."
"Neither do I, I assure you."
"But I mean, what has that to do with Mr. Alden?"
"Oh, I think I assumed that 'Dolphus believed this person to be the criminal, and his address was on the telegram."
"May I ask why you made this assumption?"
"It may have been unwarranted, but taken in connection with his boast that he could establish your entire freedom from blame——" Durgan was floundering in his effort to find words for the very painful subject. He paused, with face red and dew on his brow.
"I guess, Mr. Durgan, if you'll speak quite plainly what you mean, it will be better for us both."
"Why do you include me? Do you know why this boy threatens me, reproaches me, challenges me?"