Connelly knows him well."
All this was so circumstantial that Fairfax Lee was alarmed and moved.
He knew that Connelly's was one of the worst dens of the city, and he
felt sure that unless there was something in the story Pike would not
give names in this way. He resolved to learn the whole truth about the
matter.
"If what you say is true, Buck Badger is not fit to associate with any
girl," he asserted.
"Especially not with a girl as innocent and unsuspecting as your
daughter, Mr. Lee. I have seen that for a good while, and it has been a
fight with my conscience to keep from coming here with this story. I
couldn't delay it longer. I trust you see that I can have no hope of
gain, and nothing but right motives in bringing you this story--which
you will find fully substantiated by a course of inquiry."
Fairfax Lee was flushed and silent.
"All of Badger's friends, or most of them, I am sure, know that he was
drunk, and not drugged, when he went aboard the _Crested Foam_. Some of
them might admit this knowledge."
"You are a sophomore?"
"Yes."
"And Mr. Badger is?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you were recently his friend and roommate?"
"Yes."
"I have your card, which I will put by for reference. I presume, if I
call on you, you will be willing to repeat anywhere what you have said
to me here?"
This was unexpected, and Pike hesitated.
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