Page:Barr--Stranleighs millions.djvu/36

24 "Then she must be a very fascinating woman if a number of men who don't want their names mentioned will subscribe more than four thousand pounds to get her husband out of a difficulty."

"Your instinct is unerring, Mr. Brassard; she is a fascinating woman."

"Would my instinct be leading me astray if it caused me to suggest that there is no syndicate to this affair, but merely one man."

"I shouldn't think of contradicting anything you affirmed, Mr. Brassard."

"You said you had laid your cards on the table, but you haven't placed all your cards there."

"Perhaps not."

"Suppose you lay down the rest?"

"I have shown you the cards I intend to play; the rest of the pack shall not be used in this game, as you call it."

"You think yourself very clever, Mr. Stranleigh, don't you?"

"Quite the contrary, but I know that you are very clever."

"Ah, you're beginning to find that out?"

"I surmised it from the first, Mr. Brassard, and, of course, everything you have said has increased my admiration. You cross-question like a King's Counsel."

"I shall continue the cross-examination until I am at the bottom of this mystery. Few men can baffle me, though many have tried, and now I