Page:Frank Packard - Greater Love Hath No Man.djvu/141

 "I—I don't know what you mean," he said, his voice faltering a little in spite of himself as the unintentional shot went home.

"Wenger, the guard Varge fought for, and Varge, it seems, weren't on very good terms," explained the warden quietly interposing. "As for the rest, I must say I agree with the doctor. I should have no uneasiness on Janet's account through sending Varge over there, though I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Take it all around in fact, I believe it's the best thing to do, and we might as well call it settled—you can tell him, doctor, when you go back, if you like."

Doctor Kreelmar nodded; and Merton, not daring to take the risk of pressing the matter further at that time, took pains to change the subject of conversation, and presently left the office to go over to the warden's house.

"What's the matter between you two?" demanded Warden Rand abruptly, when he and the doctor were alone again.

"Nothing. Don't like him, that's all," Doctor Kreelmar answered crisply.

"That's very apparent," smiled the warden dryly. "You've got a bigger heart than a woman's on occasions, Kreelmar; but you're the worst man for violent likes and dislikes that I've ever met—and you take no pains to hide them."

"Why should I?" snapped the irascible little doctor aggressively. "I get along better by being honest about it. It gives me less to do with those I dislike; and as for the ones I like, I'd rather tell them now that they're good fellows and that I think so than wait till they're