Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/273

 greetings were over, "what can you tell me of the Range 16 affair and the papers relating thereto?"

To his surprise Mrs. Parlin grew suddenly white and seemed on the point of fainting. He turned to her assistance, but by a strong effort she recovered a part of her usual self-possession, though the colour did not come back to her cheeks.

"Nothing," she said. "It is a matter on which I can't talk. You must not; you shall not torture me with it."

"I would not willingly distress you in any way, Mrs. Parlin," he said, with less abruptness; "but it is my duty to insist and I think it your duty to comply. Our whole search for Mr. Wing's murderer may turn upon your answer."

"Oh, has that come up to curse us again! has that come up!" she cried, wringing her hands. "I can't bear it; I can't bear it!"

Trafford was astounded at her growing agitation, and was half disposed to forego further questions, at least for the time; but behind him was the impulsion of his dread of, he scarcely knew what, driving him on to reckless impatience.