"Explain why you were found in the grounds at that hour of the night."
"They have already asked me to do so, and I have already declined."
"But this is folly—this is madness! What motive could you possibly have for being there at such an hour?"
Charley was silent. Val laid his hand on his shoulder with a kindly look.
"Charley, will you not tell me?"
"No."
"You know I am your friend."
"You will not be so long. Those fellows over there will settle the matter shortly to their own satisfaction, and I am not going to spoil their sport."
"Charley," said Val, looking him steadily in the face, "where is Cherrie?"
Charley Marsh's face, white and haggard an instant previously, turned scarlet, and from scarlet whiter than before. But he lifted his eyes fearlessly to Val's face, roused to eagerness at last.