A reserve at once became noticeable in Barnes’ tone. “What about her?” The detective pretended not to notice anything unusual in the other’s tone, and quietly said: “I want to know what you can tell me about her in a general way.” “Is this because you would in any way try to connect her with this case?” “Let future events determine that. At present I do not specifically suspect anybody. For instance, I would like to know how it is that you chance to be acquainted with her.” “I cannot help saying to you that I consider this as a trifle personal.” “Just as you please,” in a calm tone. “You can answer or not as you think best. The information I want can easily be obtained from other sources.” “Tell me frankly if you have any idea that she is in anywise connected with this mystery.” “I am not saying anything about it just now.” “Your answer is almost equivalent to saying that you do suspect her, which, being the case, I wish to say that I will stake my very existence on it that she is all that a good, pure and honest woman should be.” “Ah!” Nick Carter opened his eyes a trifle. Barnes colored under the scrutiny to which he found himself subjected. “You are a very warm friend of this girl?” “I am.” “You might even be said to be her champion.” “Yes. I should be proud to bear the title.” “Will you answer my question?” “I will do so since you make a point of it, until you reach a certain limit.” “Name it.” “It will be when your questions tend to an attempt to say that she has any knowledge of this horrible affair.” “Very well, I accept the conditions. You met her when and where?” “I met her in a store two years ago.” “How frequently have you seen her in the meantime?” “At first very often, but latterly only once in a great while.” “You ceased, then, to be as good friends as formerly?” “No.” “How do you explain not seeing her as much, if that be so?” Barnes hesitated a minute before replying, and then he slowly said: “While I do not see how my private affairs can in anywise be mixed up in the death of Mr. Field, nor see how telling the same to you is going to help elucidate the mystery, still I have seen so much of your astuteness to-day that I will throw aside all reserve in the matter and tell you the whole truth. My acquaintance with Miss Doane was of so agreeable a nature that I fell in love with her, although she was ignorant of the character of my visits until I openly declared them. She then promptly, but kindly, refused me, while at the same time assuring me that she valued me highly as a friend, and trusted that she might not lose my friendship through her refusal of my hand.” “I begin to understand. After that time you did not feel like going to see her so often?” “No.” “Still, you occasionally called on her?” “Yes.” “For what reason did she refuse you?” “That is a hard question to answer, seeing that I do not know all the lady’s thoughts.” Taking another tack, the detective said: