"Exactly! The doctor said that if she were educated, or if her brain was subjected to any strain, her homicidal mania would be intensified. Out of sheer pity for the unfortunate girl, I have had her kept in ignorance." "I see!" said Haskins, thinking that the excuse was extremely skilful. "Then Mr. Arnold taught her nothing?" Rebb started; the cigar fell from his fingers, and he turned pale. The mention of the name evidently worried him not a little. "What do you know of Mr. Arnold?" he demanded. "Only that he is, or was, Mavis' tutor in some sort of odd way. And that reminds me: Mrs. Jennings of the Prince's Head gave me a message for you, Major. Mr. Arnold, she says, has returned from Australia, and is in the neighborhood." "Stale news, Haskins," said Rebb, recovering his wits. "Geary found out, at least a week ago, that Arnold was traveling round the country, in a kind of gipsy caravan, selling books. It was about Arnold that Geary wrote to me. I came down to see into the matter, as Arnold is a rascal. But I also learned on my arrival, from Bellaria, that you had been taking an interest in my affairs!" And he sneered. "In the affairs of the woman I hope to make my wife!" said Gerald imperturbably. Rebb rose stiffly. "Mr. Haskins," he said, in a most ceremonious manner, "had you come to me in the first place, and without acting in this underhand manner, I should have told you that such a marriage is impossible. I tell you so now, and beg to end this interview." Gerald rose also. "As you please, Major Rebb. After all," he paused at the door, "six thousand a year is worth fighting for." Rebb gasped, again turned pale, and fell back into his chair. CHAPTER XIV. THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS. "Do you still wish me to go?" inquired Gerald politely, and half opening the sitting-room door. "No," cried Rebb sharply. "Shut that door again and explain yourself." Haskins returned to his seat. "Does what I say need explanation?" "Certainly. You insinuate that my income has to do with Mavis." "You place the matter in a nutshell, Major. It has." Rebb rose again, with the look of a man at bay. "You dare to----" "I dare anything in the cause of Mavis," interrupted Gerald imperiously. "Don't make any mistake about my attitude, Major Rebb. If you act honestly, I am here as your friend; but if you declare war I am willing to accept your challenge." If a look could have slain the bold speaker, Haskins would have dropped dead where he stood; but he bore Rebb's fierce gaze without flinching, and waited for him to speak. The Major made a gigantic effort, and gained control of himself sufficiently to open his mouth for a quiet question. "Where did you learn this?" he demanded. "From the will of Captain Julian Durham at Somerset House." "Indeed! More spying!" sneered the other, but his lip quivered. Haskins shrugged his shoulders, and took scarcely any notice of the insult. "That is a weak speech to make," he remarked.