“Well, I’ve known him before to make up like a detective who’s watching for him, and, what’s more, get away with it. It’s one of Dan’s favourite disguises, and he’s got others. I’m giving you a million dollars’ worth of information, Man. You ought to thank me on your knees, but you won’t. Another good one of his is to be a visiting clergyman--that’s one of his best. He told me once that he’d made a quarter of a million dollars out of the church.” “A minister--there’s been one here to-day,” said Gordon thoughtfully. “Why don’t you turn King’s evidence against him?” “State’s evidence, I guess that means? No, sir. That means nothing to me, and you’re insulting me by suggesting it. This is a private matter between D. D. and H. C.--Chowster is my name--my father was a Reverend Chowster of Minneapolis and I’m a high-school girl and don’t forget it. Anyway, I’m just too much of a lady to start makin’ entries in the squeal book. Birth and education count for something, Man.” He covered his face with his hands. “What a fool I’ve been, what a fool!” he groaned. Heloise looked at him: in this mood he was interesting. “Why, I guess every man’s a fool--he’s born that way, and has got twen’y years to pull himself right before some woman comes along and spoils his chance. I used to know a boy in Ontario, where I was born--Minneapolis, I mean--who got right after he was married, but he was an exception. And he’d done the mischief then.” “I’ll not stand it,” said Gordon between his teeth. “Whatever happens, I’m going to put a spoke in the wheel of this Double Dan.” “You don’t say?” She was politely intrigued. “Am I going to remain quietly by and see a couple of crooks----” “Oh, say!” she protested. “--robbing society with impunity?” “That’s fine. And if Dan gets busy he’ll rob with any old thing that’s handy. He’s a genius that way. My John says that Dan could open a safe with a hairpin----” “I’ll report this to the police,” said Gordon firmly. “I was a fool not to take this step before. It may mean exposure, it may mean social ruin; it will certainly mean....” He stopped before he came to the possible effect upon Diana. “I’ll have you both in gaol--both of you.” She was unaffected by his fury. “Honey bunch, oh honey!” she cooed. “Don’t get mad, baby!” He turned on her in fury. “You’ve done your best to make Miss Ford think I’m--I’m something to you. I would have forgiven you everything but that.” “Well, ain’t you?” she drawled. “Ah, peachy boy, don’t be mad at your little snookums! Smile, baby, show little toothsies.” Diana, in the opening of the kitchen door, heard only this. “Will you kindly reserve your love-making until you are out of my house?” she asked severely. At the sound of her voice Gordon reeled. The final straw had dropped brutally upon a camel, already over-burdened.