“Ah!”

Nick Carter opened his eyes a trifle.

Barnes colored under the scrutiny to which he found himself subjected.

“You are a very warm friend of this girl?”

“I am.”

“You might even be said to be her champion.”

“Yes. I should be proud to bear the title.”

“Will you answer my question?”

“I will do so since you make a point of it, until you reach a certain limit.”

“Name it.”