Wayne Wayland turned his back in disgust. "Do you really wish to know?"
Marsh's smooth voice questioned.
"I do."
"She is a very common sort," said Willis Marsh. "I am surprised that you never heard of her while you were in the 'upper country.' She followed the mining camps and lived as such women do. She is an expert with cards—she even dealt faro in some of the camps."
"How do you know?"
"I looked up her history in Seattle. She is very—well, notorious."
"People talk like that about nearly every woman in Alaska."
"I didn't come here to argue about that woman's character," broke in
Mr. Wayland.
"You have said enough now, so that you will either prove your words or apologize."
"If you want proof, take your own relation with her. It's notorious; even Mildred has heard of it."
"I can explain to her in a word."