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68 pretend to say; but I remember that the two went to the stable after the reconciliation, and may perhaps have talked it all over there in the hearing of the men, with the assistance of Henry's brandy-flask. At all events, it was evident from the questions that they had the whole story, or a good part of it; and John (who is the most wretched failure in the world at lying) answered directly and unhesitatingly, so far as the queries had reference to the quarrel itself But when they began to probe for the cause of the trouble he took another attitude at once.

"I got angry about something. I get angry easily," he said. "It can't make any difference what I got angry about."

"In ordinary cases, certainly not; but at present we wish to judge whether the occasion was such as might rankle in your mind after the immediate reconciliation had taken place."

"I don't bear a grudge," John replied. "I break out, and am done with it for good and all. When I forgave my brother, I forgave him."

"Precisely. But the cause might be renewed. If, for example, two men are paying attentions to the same lady, a dispute might arise and be settled, but further inquiry might develop hitherto unsuspected facts, or fresh objectionable acts might occur."

"There's no need to bring any lady's name into the matter," said John, curtly.

"All irrelevant disclosures will be avoided. But it is not irrelevant to inquire whether you were particularly interested in any young lady at or about the time of this altercation."

"I never said anything to her about it," returned John, his face flushing, "and I don't see why I should say anything to you."

"Nevertheless, you were conscious of feelings towards her which would render liberties taken by a third party objectionable?"

"I have no right to say who shall or shall not meddle with what does not belong to me."

"We are not discussing abstract rights, but facts, Mr. Mainwaring."

"I have always understood that facts were things that could be proved," said John, who was becoming restive.

"Your impression is perfectly correct, sir; and we have evidence in support of the intimations which have been advanced. But let me point out that, should that evidence be called, it would involve a mention of names and details which you have expressed a desire to avoid. If, on the other hand, you admit the points I have raised, no further definition would be required."

This argument told upon John visibly. I don't know, for my part,