I added, "I am hungry."
That amused him. My mind was active now—fully alert. I asked: "We're traveling in Time, aren't we? Where are we going? What do you want with Nanette and me? This is all very strange."
I was trying to gauge him. I managed a smile, as though my situation were annoying, but nothing more. "Shall I come out and have something to eat with you?"
His smile broadened. Satanic scoundrel. Inscrutable. He said:
"Yes. I'll call you." And then his whole face changed as though a mask had dropped upon it. He rasped: "You, Edward Williams—what are you to Nanette?"
It took me wholly by surprise. I stammered: "Why, an old friend."
"Yes?" He changed again. He purred it. His hunched shoulders were exaggerated as he leaned forward, and his fingers were unconsciously stroking his waist-coat. "Yes? Nothing more than that?"
More than that! It flooded me now; I knew in that instant what all my life I had not known before—how dear Nanette had grown to me—of all the world, most dear.
I must have been stammering. He cut me short. "Strange that Fate should have delivered you into my hands." Purring again; he seemed like a cat, licking his lips. His eyes roved me. "She loves you."
I gathered my wits. "What are you talking about? Nanette love me? What nonsense!" My tone sounded hollow; his black gaze was boring into me. I said boldly: "Why should it bother you?"