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Rh sangfroid; but his chin trembled, and he put up his hand to mask it.

"Your brother then became one of his associates?"

"One of his friends," Gene remarked stiffly.

"Did that in any way affect your friendship with Drew, Mr. Chalmers?"

"Of course not; why should it? Julian and I traveled as a rule in different crowds, but we had many mutual friends, and—and Mr. Drew was one of them."

"And did you and your brother get on well together, Mr. Chalmers? You will have to pardon this question, but others will answer it if you refuse." Odell paused and repeated: "How did you and your brother get on together?"

"About as well as any brothers do, I fancy." Gene's gaze wandered to the littered top of his dressing-table, but as if conscious of the detective's eyes upon him he quickly averted it. "We had a healthy old row now and then, but—but we always patched it up. I'd rather not talk about it now, if you don't mind. Sergeant. It's only a week, you know—"

Odell rose.

"Of course. We will go down now and move your father to his room."

"But"—Gene rose also and stared in surprise at the detective—"I thought you wanted to go through Julian's room."

"That will keep." Odell smiled slightly. "Come."

Gene hesitated; but the other so obviously waited for him that he had no choice, and together they descended to the library.

When the injured man had been ensconced in bed and