“That’s what I said,” Nick returned.
“Why do you speak like that? I’m not likely to answer questions put to me in that fashion.”
“Oh, yes, you are,” Nick retorted. “Otherwise, I shall take steps to compel you to answer them. Bear that in mind, also.”
Floyd jerked his chair nearer the table.
“See here, Mr. Carter, what’s the meaning of this?” he demanded aggressively. “What do you suspect, that you come here and——”
“Never mind what I suspect,” Nick interrupted. “What I want to know, Mr. Floyd, is what sort of a game you and Sheldon and Kate Crandall are playing? How does Jim Dacey figure in it? What are you scheming to get from Cyrus Darling by——”
“Get from him be hanged!” Floyd cut in sharply. “You’re talking through your hat. Cyrus Darling is dead and buried——”
“No, he isn’t.”
“Not dead?”
“Not by a long chalk!” Nick sternly declared. “He is alive, very much alive, as I shall presently convince you. I know that without your informing me. I know, too, that you fellows are responsible for his supposed suicide. I know that you——”