It was incredible, unbearable! He wanted to
shout his innocence at them, to beat it into their heads; but the
more he expostulated the more distant they became.
One by one they took their hats and went out, mumbling good-night
to one another, as if intending to go home singly in order to
avoid all discussion of this thing that had fallen among them
Runnels alone remained.
"YOU don't believe I did--that?" Anthony asked, in a strained
voice.
"I--I think I do." There was a miserable silence, and then: "It
isn't the thing itself, you know, so much as the rotten--
underhanded advantage you took. If he'd been a stranger, now--
Honestly, isn't it true?"
Kirk shook his head, listlessly. "I wouldn't lie to you."
Runnels drew a deep breath.. "Oh, come, now, the man MUST have
known what he was saying. Do you realize what it means--if--well,
if he were mistaken? It would be bad enough if he were not, but
this would be ten times worse. Don't you see?"
"I don't see much of anything yet. I'm stunned."
"Ugh! To make it public that way, he must be made of iron."
Runnels shuddered; then, with cold eyes on Kirk, continued: "He
must have known, Anthony. Men don't do things like that on
suspicion."
"He misunderstood our friendship," said Kirk, heavily, then roused
himself for a last plea.
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