used and did not answer.

"Answer; do you know that man well?"

"No, I met him to-night."

All this time Oscar sat silent, but really appeared like a man who had
been detected in something mean.

"You don't know him well?"

"I do not."

"You met him to-night?"

"Yes."

"Who introduced him to you?"

"No one. We became acquainted by chance. But see here, this gentleman is
my guest and I want you to explain."

"Oh, I'll explain."

"Please do."

"I denounce that man."

"You denounce him?"

"I do."

"On what ground?"

"He is a spy and a sneak. He will report you for keeping a gambling
house. He is a sort of detective pimp, does all their dirty work. That
is the man you are entertaining. Let him deny it if he will."

This was a bold accusation, and all the men glared at our hero, and
finally Girard said:

"Dunne, what have you got to say for yourself? If this is false call
that man a liar. It is your right, for he makes very grave charges
against you."

"With your permission," said Oscar, "I will withdraw. That man's charges
are not entitled to a reply from me."

"But see here, mister, that won't do."

"What won't do?"

"If his charges are true you have been playing me."

"I have been playing you?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"Well, you understand your purpose. I don't. But one thing is certain:
you must make a full confession, or I will hold you responsible for any
interpretation I may put upon his charges."

Oscar apparently began to sober up, and he said:

"I do not choose to make any explanations."

"What do you know about this man?" demanded Girard, addressing the
accuser.

"He is a reward seeker--a man who will ingratiate himself into the
company of gentlemen. If he gets into a private game of cards he reports
a gambling game and has gentlemen arrested. He is a general spy and
sneak--a man who will go into court and perjure himself for a bribe, and
he has made trouble for many a good fellow. He has hired witnesses,
perjurers, at his beck and call. He is always up to some game. He is, in
short, a lying, miserable rascal; that is what he is, and I know him."

"These are very grave charges," repeated Girard.

"Yes, and I will not remain to listen to them."

"But you will remain."

"I will?"

"Yes."

"Who says so?"

"I do. You shall not steal into my house to spy and sneak on me, and get
away."

"What will you do about it?" asked Oscar coolly.

"What will I do about it?"

"T