Evelyn opened her fine eyes in apparent astonishment.
"He is one of my oldest friends. I have known him all my life!" she said.
"Well, one's friends should keep out of the sort of trouble he's made for himself," observed Gilmore in surly tones.
"Yes,—perhaps—" answered Evelyn absently.
"Look here, I don't want to talk to you about North anyhow; can't we hit on some other topic?" asked Gilmore.
It maddened him even to think of the part the accused man had played in her life.
"Why have you and Marsh turned against him?" she asked.
The gambler considered for an instant.
"Do you really want to know? Well, you see he wasn't square; that does a man up quicker than anything else."
"I don't believe it!" she cried.