Take Helen away somewhere and forget that
you have seen him in the house. Remember that he has saved
Henry's life as well as yours."
"I invite no consideration upon that account," Lessingham declared.
"All that I did for you in Germany, I did, or should have attempted
to do, for my old friend. Your release was different. I am forced
to admit that it was the price paid for my sojourn here. I will
only ask you to remember that the bargain was made without your
knowledge, and that you are in no way responsible for it."
"A price," Richard pronounced fiercely, "which I refuse to pay!"
Lessingham shrugged his shoulders.
"The alternative," he confessed, "is in your hands."
Richard moved towards the telephone.
"I am sorry, Maderstrom," he said, "but my duty is clear. Who is
Commandant here, Philippa?"
Philippa stood between her brother and the telephone. There was a
queer, angry patch of colour in her cheeks. Her eyes were on fire.
"Richard," she exclaimed, "you shall not do this from my house!
I forbid you!"
"Do what?"
"Give information. Do you know what it would mean if they believed
you?"
"Death," he answered. "Maderstrom knew the risk he ran when he
came to this country under a false name."
"Perfectly," Lessingham admitted.
"But I won't have it!" Philippa protested. "He has become our
friend.
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