The affair was getting more mysterious to Gordon every minute. That the Jap was an educated man was plainly evident and that he was a determined one was even more so. Gordon was, by this time, certain that there was much more involved in the game than appeared on the surface. But what the game was he had no idea. However, he had come to the conclusion that he had better be a bit guarded in his answers. So he hesitated a moment at this last question. “Well?” the Jap snapped. “I’m not so sure,” Gordon told him. “You mean you don’t know what he does?” “No, I didn’t mean that.” “What did you mean, then?” “Why, you said it was well and I said I wasn’t so sure. As a matter of fact it isn’t at all well from my point of view.” “Don’t get funny,” the Jap snarled. “What does he do?” “I don’t think I shall tell you that,” Gordon said slowly. “You won’t? Why won’t you?” “Well, for one thing I don’t like your attitude and for another I’m not sure that it’s any of your business.” “Then I’ll make you.” “How?” “That pain in your neck, it wasn’t very pleasant, was it?” “I’ll say it wasn’t.” “Now you understand how I can make you?” “I think I get your drift.” “That pain was nothing.” “Maybe not, but it felt something to me,” Gordon grinned. In spite of the man’s actions and threats there was something about him that drew him and he did not believe he would torture him. “Once more, are you going to answer my question?” the Jap asked getting up from his seat. “Suppose you tell me why you are so anxious to know,” Gordon suggested. “You are in no position to dictate.” “I guess you’re right there. Still, I’d like to know.” “But you aren’t going to, that is, not now.” “I reckon that goes both ways then,” Gordon smiled. “You’ll feel differently about it in a minute,” the Jap told him as he stepped forward still holding the gun pointed at him. As the man advanced Gordon also got to his feet and for an instant the two looked in each other’s eyes as though it were to be a battle of wills. Then, taking another step, the Jap placed his left hand on the back of the boy’s neck at the same time pressing the gun against his breast. “You’re a mighty brave man,” Gordon sneered. Instead of replying to the taunt the Jap pressed with his fingers and again that fierce pain ran through his neck. But only for an instant. Angered now to the point of not caring what happened, Gordon suddenly ducked and threw himself against the other’s legs and they came to the ground together, the gun flying from the Jap’s hand. But it was, of course, a useless gesture. Even had his hands been free he would have been no match for the man skilled as he was in the traditional art of his race. All this Gordon realized as he felt himself yanked to his feet. “You are a very brave boy,” the Jap declared as he picked up the revolver, “and I shall not hurt you again.”