“I have.”

“And cannot find her?”

“No.”

“What do you know about this tragedy?”

“As much as you do.”

“No doubt at all.”

“Do you suspect the assassin?”

“I do! but come in.”

“I can stand here.”

“Come in, you may attract attention of someone passing.”

“What harm if I do?”

“No, harm, but it may prove inconvenient, and may interfere with our efforts to learn the fate of the girl.”

“One moment; do you know anything concerning this tragedy?”

“All I know is that I came to that door as you did, and my eyes fell upon the ghastly sight.”

“Then you came here did you expect to find the old man alive?”

“I did.”

“And the girl?”

“Yes.”

“Then this is a surprise to you?”

“It is.”

The stranger entered the room, and in a stern voice he demanded.

“Young man, who are you?”

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Vance did not betray the least trepidation, but said, in a calm voice: 

“My friend, I was just about to put that same question to you.”

“My question came first, and I demand an answer.”

“I don’t care what you demand.”

“I hold you at my mercy.”

“Do you think so?”

“You are not what you seem,” said the stranger.

“Nor are you,” was the quick response.

“Who have I claimed to be, sir?”

“Renie’s father.”

“And you deny that I am her father?”

“I do.”

“Who am I?”

“That is for you to tell.”

“Who do you think I am?”

“I am not giving out my thoughts.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve nothing as yet whereon to base an opinion.”

“What difference does it male to you who I am?”
 “Considerable.”

“Will you explain how?”

“You are looking for the girl Renie, and so am I.”

“You are?”

“Yes.”

“What interest have you in the girl?”

“I am her friend.”

“Can you find her—­do you know where to look for her?”

“I think I do.”

“Will you tell me frankly who you are?”

“No.”

“And you demand to know who I am?”

“Yes.”

“I have the same right as yourself to refuse to disclose my identity.

“No, sir.”

“Why not?”

“You have claimed to be the girl’s father.”

“Well?”

“You are not her father.”

“How do you know?”

“I know.”

“It is to my interest to find the girl, and it is to your interest to aid me.  I will admit to you that I have not disclosed who or what I am.”

“You must, if you desire my aid.”

“I can pay you for your service.  Listen! you claim to be a friend of the girl; so am I her friend.”