Felix Hoffman heard him, and said—
"I am not. If you want to learn the truth, ask his wife; she knows all about it."
Warren stepped up to him in fury, struck him a heavy blow on the mouth, and knocked him down.
Fortunately a race was being run at the time, and there were only a few people in the paddock. The Squire forced Warren away with him, and they left Felix sprawling on the grass.
"You ought not to have struck him," said the Squire.
"He deserved it."
"Was there any truth in what he said?"
"No, none whatever. It is true I have been to his house, and that a Mrs. Warren lives there, but I have nothing to do with her, you may rest assured of that."
"He said Irene knew all about it."
"Which is absurd, because there is nothing to know. That is the man who wrote the begging-letter Irene showed you, and you said the matter ought to be placed in the hands of the police."