Since Gordon was dead, for no reason." "For no obvious reason, I think I said," Durrance remarked imperturbably.

Willoughby turned and glanced suspiciously at his companion, wondering whether, after all, Durrance knew of his visit to Kingsbridge and its motive.

Durrance, however, smoked his cigar, leaning back in his chair with his face tilted up towards the ceiling.

He seemed, now that his curiosity was satisfied, to have lost interest in the history of the Gordon letters.

At all events, he put no more questions upon that subject to embarrass Captain Willoughby, and indeed there was no need that he should.