"That is not in my line." "What other purpose could he have had, Cousin Hamilton ?" put in Mrs.
Hill maliciously.
Ben eyed her curiously.
"Did Mrs.Hill tell you I went there ?" he asked.
"I felt it my duty to do so," said that lady, with acerbity.

"I dislike to see my cousin so deceived and imposed upon by one she had befriended." "How did you know I went there, Mrs.Hill ?" "Conrad saw you coming out of the gambling house." "I didn't see him.

It was curious he happened be in that neighborhood just at that time," said Ben significantly.
"If you mean to insinuate that Conrad goes to such places, you are quite mistaken," said Mrs.Hill sharply.
"It was not that I meant to insinuate at all." "You have not yet told me why you went there, Ben ?" said Mrs.Hamilton mildly." "Because I received a mysterious letter, signed James Barnes, asking me to come to that address about nine o'clock in the evening.

I was told I would hear something of advantage to myself." "Did you meet any such man there ?" asked Mrs.Hill.
"No." "Have you got the letter you speak of ?" asked Mrs.Hamilton.
"No," answered Ben.

"I must have dropped it somewhere.