ence
which was peculiarly irritating.

'That is a fact upon which he did not vastly pride himself.'

'Since this morning you've rested under a perfectly direct charge of
causing his death in a dastardly manner. And you've said nothing in
self-defence.'

'I haven't.'

'You've been given an opportunity of explaining yourself, and you
haven't taken it.'

'Quite true.'

'What are you going to do?'

Alec had already been asked that question by Dick, and he returned the
same answer.

'Nothing.'

Bobbie looked at him for an instant. Then he shrugged his shoulders.

'In that case I can draw only one conclusion. There appears to be no
means of bringing you to justice, but at least I can tell you what an
indescribable blackguard I think you.'

'All is over between us,' smiled Alec, faintly amused at the young man's
violence. 'And shall I return your letters and your photographs?'

'I assure you that I'm not joking,' answered Bobbie grimly.

'I have observed that you joke with difficulty. It's singular that
though I'm Scotch and you are English, I should be able to see how
ridiculous you are, while you're quite blind to your own absurdity.'

'Come, Alec, remember he's only a boy,' remonstrated Dick, who till now
had been unable to interpose.

Boulger turned upon him angrily.

'I'm perfectly able to look after myself, Dick, and I'll thank you not
to interfere.' He looked again at Alec: 'If Lucy's so indifferent to her
brother's death that she's willing to keep up with you, that's her own
affair.'

Dick interrupted once more.

'For heaven's sake don't make a scene, Bobbie. How can you make such a
fool of yourself?'

'Leave me alone, confound you!'

'Do you think this is quite the best place for an altercation?' asked
Alec quietly. 'Wouldn't you gain more notoriety if you attacked me in my
club or at Church Parade on Sunday?'

'It's mere shameless impudence that you should come here to-night,'
cried Bobbie, his voice hoarse with passion. 'You're using these
wretched women as a shield, because you know that as long as Lucy sticks
to you, there are people who won't believe the story.'

'I came for the same reason as yourself, dear boy. Because I was
invited.'

'You acknowledge that you have no defence.'

'Pardon me, I acknowledge nothing and deny nothing.'

'That won't do for me,' said Boulger. 'I want the truth, and I'm going
to get it. I've got a right to know.'

'Don't make such an ass of yoursel