You must either bind
yourself to put faith in my innocence, or we must drop this affair and
talk of something else.'
Greif was silent for some moments. To refuse was to insult a man of
whom he had gratuitously asked a question. To promise with the
intention of keeping his word was impossible. He found himself in an
awkward dilemma. Rex helped him out of it with his usual skill.
'I will tell you what is passing in your mind, and why you are silent,'
he said. 'You feel that you cannot believe me. I do not blame you. You
will not give your word in such a case, because you must break it. You
are quite right. You are full of curiosity to learn how much I know
about you. It is very natural. The wisest thing to be done, is to
sacrifice your curiosity and I will tear up this piece of paper.'
'No--wait a moment!' cried Greif anxiously, putting out his hand to
prevent the act.
'I do not see any other way out of the difficulty,' observed Rex,
leaning back in his chair and looking at the stove. 'You may do this,
however. You may think what you please of me, provided you do not
express your disbelief. I am the most pacific of men, and I have a
strong dislike to fighting at my age. Moreover, you asked me the
question which led to all this. Even if I answer it, am I bound to
explain the reasons for my reply? I believe the code of honour does not
require that, and if there is nothing offensive to you in my
predictions, I do not see why we need quarrel after all, nor what it
matters how I obtained my information.
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