“Don’t? That’s funny! I spoke plainly enough. There are certain conditions under which alone I can tell you a particular thing that may be of great consequence to you.”

“What are these conditions?”

“That you will truthfully answer me certain questions.”

Gorse’s teeth shut together with a snap, and he said:

“I don’t like the looks of this!”

“Why not?”

“If you have anything to tell me there can be no need of asking me any questions.”

“In that I know better than you do.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”