“‘What woman is that who is staying in that old brick house?’
“‘How should I know?’
“‘I don’t ask you how you know, but I demand a sensible answer.’
“I was thunderstruck by his manner, for it was evident that he was very much enraged about something.
“‘Why do you not make me an answer?’ he again demanded, his voice still rising with anger.
“‘Really, Harry, upon my word of honor I don’t know,’ I replied mildly.
“‘I don’t believe you, sir,’ he exclaimed as he stamped his foot on the ground. ‘Be cautious how you attempt to deceive me—I am not in the humor to be fooled with by anybody now.’
“‘Harry, I implore you, tell me what you mean?’
“‘Don’t you be uneasy about what I mean; you shall know to your sorrow ere long, or my name is not Harry Wallingford. I am not such a simpleton as you have imagined, as you’ll find out one of these days. I am not a coward, nor am I a bully, but under certain circumstances I would kill a man. I am heartily sick of these sentimental hypocrites who pretend to be a man’s friend when before his face, but sneak round and stab him in the dark!’
“‘Harry, are you mad?’