"
Harley stared at him sternly.
"I have realized, Colonel Menendez," he replied, "that something is
pending."
"Ah!" murmured the Colonel, and he clutched the edge of the table with
his strong brown hands.
"But," continued my friend, "I have realized something more. You have
asked for my aid, and I am here. Now you have deliberately tied my
hands."
"What do you mean, sir?" asked the other, softly.
"I will speak plainly. I mean that you know more about the nature of
this danger than you have ever communicated to me. Allow me to proceed,
if you please, Colonel Menendez. For your delightful hospitality I
thank you. As your guest I could be happy, but as a professional
investigator whose services have been called upon under most unusual
circumstances, I cannot be happy and I do not thank you."
Their glances met. Both were angry, wilful, and self-confident.
Following a few moments of silence:
"Perhaps, Mr. Harley," said the Colonel, "you have something further to
say?"
"I have this to say," was the answer: "I esteem your friendship, but I
fear I must return to town without delay."
The Colonel's jaws were clenched so tightly that I could see the
muscles protruding.
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