"What do you mean? Of course you know the man."
"Here, my good fellow, I'd like to know what _you_ mean?" demanded
Girard.
"Do you call that man your guest?"
"I do."
"Do you know him well?"
Girard appeared very much confused and did not answer.
"Answer; do you know that man well?"
"No, I met him to-night."
All this time Oscar sat silent, but really appeared like a man who had
been detected in something mean.
"You don't know him well?"
"I do not."
"You met him to-night?"
"Yes."
"Who introduced him to you?"
"No one. We became acquainted by chance. But see here, this gentleman is
my guest and I want you to explain."
"Oh, I'll explain."
"Please do."
"I denounce that man."
"You denounce him?"
"I do."
"On what ground?"
"He is a spy and a sneak. He will report you for keeping a gambling
house. He is a sort of detective pimp, does all their dirty work. That
is the man you are entertaining. Let him deny it if he will."
This was a bold accusation, and all the men glared at our hero, and
finally Girard said:
"Dunne, what have you got to say for yourself? If this is false call
that man a liar. It is your right, for he makes very grave charges
against you."
"With your permission," said Oscar, "I will withdraw.
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