G.J. fought against the incredible fact of death.

"But he only went out six days ago! They haven't been married three
weeks."

The central hardness of the other disclosed itself as he said:

"What's that got to do with it? What does it matter if he went out six
days ago or six weeks ago? He's killed."

"Well--"

"Of course you must go. Indicate a rumour. Tell her it's probably
false, but you thought you owed it to her to warn her. Only for God's
sake don't mention me. We're not supposed to say anything, you know."

G.J. seemed to see his mission, and it challenged him.




Chapter 11

THE TELEGRAM


As soon as G.J. had been let into the abode by Concepcion's venerable
parlour-maid, the voice of Concepcion came down to him from above:

"G.J., who is your oldest and dearest friend?"