"Why did you speak to a stranger instead of coming direct to me ?" McEwen hesitated a moment.
"Well, I wasn't sure of you.

I didn't know how you'd take it.

And I'd lost my nerve, damn it! the last few years.

Thought you might just kick me out, or set the police on me." Anderson studied the speaker.

His fair skin was deeply flushed; his brow frowned unconsciously, reflecting the travail of thought behind it.
"What did you say to that gentleman the other night ?" McEwen smiled a shifty smile, and began to pluck some pieces of straw from his sleeve.
"Don't remember just what I did say.