Part 16 (1/2)

Garrison said: ”Indeed?”

He advanced to a chair and sat down.

”In the first place, perhaps you will tell us your actual name,” said old Robinson, himself taking a seat.

Garrison was annoyed.

”Let me a.s.sure you, once for all, that I do not in the least recognize your right to meddle in my concerns, or subject me to any inquisitions.”

”That's another way of saying you refuse to answer!” snapped Robinson tartly. ”You know your name isn't Fairfax, any more than it's mine.

Your name is Garrison.”

Garrison stared at him coldly.

”You seem to have made up your mind very decidedly,” he said. ”Is that all you have to say?”

”You don't deny it?” cried the old man, exasperated by his calmness.

”You don't dare deny it!”

Garrison grew calmer.

”I haven't the slightest reason to deny anything,” he said. ”I frequently require a pseudonym. Dorothy knows that I employ the name Garrison whenever occasion demands.”

The old man was wild.

”Will you swear that your right name is Fairfax?” he said. ”That's what I demand to know!”

Garrison answered: ”I came here to see my wife. I warn you I am growing impatient with your hidden insinuations!”

”Your wife!” cried old Robinson, making a dive into one of his pockets with his hand. ”What have you to say to this letter, from the woman who is doubtless by now your _legal_ wife?” Suddenly s.n.a.t.c.hing a letter from his coat, he projected himself toward Garrison and held up the missive before him.

It was the letter from Ailsa--the one that Garrison had missed--the letter in which she had agreed to become his wife. He put forth his hand to receive it.

”No, you don't!” cried the old man, s.n.a.t.c.hing it out of his reach.

”I'll keep this, if you please, to show my niece.”

Garrison's eyes glittered.

”So, it was _your_ hired thief who stole it, up at Branchville?” he said. ”I don't suppose he showed you the skin that he left behind from his fingers.”

”That's got nothing to do with the point!” the old man cried at him triumphantly. ”I don't believe you are married to my niece. If you think you can play your game on me----”

Garrison interrupted.

”The theft of that letter was a burglary in which you are involved.

You are laying up trouble for yourself very rapidly. Give that letter to me!”