“I’ll answer that question later, if you please. At least he’s the one adult to date I can remember 189 who ever called me by my first name. Did you know that he’d returned to town?”
“Yes. He was here last night.”
“Responsible, was he?”
“Mr. Roberts!” Randall flushed like a woman with strangers. “Pardon me, but there are some questions I can’t answer—at least until you answer my own of a moment ago.”
“I understand perfectly. Also, contrary to your suspicion, I didn’t avoid your question to make it difficult for you. It requires two to be friends. Enmities I, personally, have none. Life’s too short and too busy. If it will assist you any, I met Armstrong in the street this evening face to face, and he declined to speak. I judge he’s no friend to me. Am I any more clear?”
“Yes,” simply.
“Do you wish to answer my question now, then?”
“I judge you have a good reason for asking. He was not responsible, wholly.”
“Not even decently so?”
“Hardly.”