"I do not expect much mercy from strangers.

It is hard to make your good intentions felt through such a distorted medium as my expression has now become." "Mrs.Ransom has been here," Ransom suddenly launched forth.

"Within two hours of your encounter under Mr.Fulton's roof, she was talking with you in this hotel.

I have proof positive of that, sir." "I have no wish to deny the fact," was the steady answer.

"She did come here and we had a talk; it was necessary; I wanted money." The last phrase was uttered with such grim determination that the exclamation which had risen to Mr.Ransom's lips died in a conflict of feeling which forbade any rejoinder that savored of sarcasm.