"
"It may come sooner than you imagine."
"I'll risk that."
"I would like to ask you a question."
"Go on."
"How about that old lady who occupies your house on ---- street? Is she
your mother?"
"Yes."
"Does she know what a scoundrel she has for a son?"
"She has no knowledge of my private affairs," returned Barkswell, not
seeming to notice the offensive manner of putting the question used by
Keene.
"And Iris is not your wife?"
"That's what I said."
"And Miss Alstine knows nothing of this, of your plans, your scheming to
win a fortune through her?"
"Certainly not. I haven't been fool enough to give myself away."
The detective remained silent for a moment. Then he looked sharply into
the face of Barkswell and said:
"I am puzzled to know why you saved me from the tramp last night, and
took me to your home and nursed me so tenderly. Since you are so anxious
to have me out of your way, why did you not leave me to die on the vacant
lot, or give the finishing stroke there. It would have been the wisest
plan, it seems to me, for such a reckless villain as you are, to pursue.
Pages:
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108