| OCR Text |
Show 157 important men. "Mr. Bonner," Hugo said, "earlier this evening I was told that a gambling party was going on in this house. I came to investigate, because gambling is illegal in the borough of Canaan, even in private homes." Charles Bonner smiled, his thin face with the straight eyebrows and high-bridged nose losing come of its aloofness in the smile. "Cheif Kerner, you can see there's no one here except myself and Mr. Ward. I assure you we are not gambling. We're discussing the election." Hugo said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Bonner, but I'll have to inspect the premises." A look of alarm crossed Bonner's face, but so quickly that Karl wasn't certain he'd seen it. "If your sure it's absolutely necessary, I can tell the maid to show you around," Bonner answered. "Necessary? Why would it be necessary?" Harry Ward blustered. "If Mr. Bonner says there's no gambling going on here, Kerner, his word should be good enough for you." Charles Bonner had risen from his chair and stared down at Harry Ward with evident distaste. "I don't need you to defend my interests, Ward," he said. "If someone has accused me of violating the law, I'd just as soon get the mistake cleared up. I'll go find the maid." Harry Ward flushed, but remained silent. After Bonner had left the room, Ward lolled back against the high leather armchair and said, "Looks like you're being a little overzealous in your duty, Kerner." |
