She ceased speaking, and turned to glance through the window. "You were kind enough to say that you believed me innocent of the murder charge----" "I do. I hate to have you facing a thing like that when you are innocent. But this other thing is----" "Can't you explain? I give you my word of honor that I do not understand this." "Your word of honor!" she sneered, facing him again. "You speak of honor--you? That is the best jest of all!" Sidney Prale's face flushed. "I had hoped that I was a man of honor," he said. "I always have tried to be honorable in my dealings with men and women, all my life. Please understand that, Miss Gilbert." "If you have tried, you have failed miserably. Why do you persist in telling falsehoods, Mr. Prale. Do you think that I am a weak, silly woman ready to be hoodwinked by lies?" "But I assure you----" "I do not care for any of your assurances," she interrupted. "I wish it understood that we are strangers hereafter. You are going to fight, are you? Fight, Sidney Prale--and lose! What I said was correct--you cannot dodge retribution. It will take more than a million dollars to be able to do that." "My dear young lady----" "I am done, Mr. Prale. I have said all that I intend saying to you." "Then it is my turn to talk!" Prale said. "This thing is getting to be so serious that I demand an explanation. Why should you, and others, be so eager to run me out of New York?" "Others?" "Yes--particularly one man we both know." "His name, please?" "Why ask, Miss Gilbert?" "Very well." "Why do you want me to run away?" "I did not know that others were trying to get you to leave," she said. "I suggested it because--well, because I am a woman, I suppose. You deserve the worst that can happen to you. But a woman, has a kind thought now and then. I hate to see any man ground down and down, no matter how much he deserves it--and that is what is to happen to you if you do not go away. If you leave, your enemies will not use such harsh measures, perhaps. But when you are here before their very eyes, they will lift their hands against you!" "Who are these enemies, and why are they after my scalp?" "You know, Sidney Prale, as well as I. I can see that it is useless to talk to you. I am sorry that I had a moment's compassion and made the attempt. Please stop the cab and let me out here." "But I demand to know----" "Do as I say, or I shall make a scene!" Prale gave the signal, and the taxi stopped. He helped her out, and she started briskly down the nearest path. Sidney Prale paid the chauffeur, and started to follow. He glanced back, and saw Murk getting out of another taxicab. He had forgotten Murk in his interest in the conversation with Kate Gilbert. But Murk had not forgotten. Murk had his orders, and he was carrying them out; he was keeping in sight, to be on hand if he was needed. Murk had a little money Prale had given him, enough to pay the taxi chauffeur. Prale motioned for him to approach.