"Did Cranston ask you about this?" Trafford demanded.
"No," she said, "no, he did not."
"If he does, avoid answering him, if possible." Then he stopped as if he had gone too far, and she, seeing his embarrassment, checked the answer that came to her lips.
He sat for some time silent, and then glanced up to intercept a look that she bent upon him.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Have you talked with Mr. Hunter—the one who was in Theodore's office, I mean?"
"Is he of the same family as Mr. Hunter who owns the great logging interests?"
"His brother."
"How long has he been in the office?" he asked carelessly—so carelessly that she forgot he had not answered her question.
"About two and a half years. I think Theodore thought him an acquisition and had great confidence in his ability."
"A good stock," he said, "for pushing." Then he added after a short pause:
