“Loveman,” returned Clifford in grim wrath, “even though you are a small man, I’d hit you in the face if I didn’t think it might improve your features.” He turned again to Mary. “Hilton and Nan Burdette have been Loveman’s chief tools for keeping Jack drunk and out of sight; they’re both experts at such business. Miss Cordova has been in it to help out in some of the finer points; she’s an old-time friend of Jack, and you’ve just learned of an ambition of her own. That’s the case, Miss Regan. I don’t feel like praising Jack, but it’s only fair to him to emphasize that he’s not here because he tired of you, as they’ve tried to make you think. I want you to understand clearly that Jack is the victim of this smooth bunch; that whatever he felt toward you two weeks ago, he doubtless still feels; that whatever he then was, he probably still is.” “A lot of good that’ll do her, when I tell what I know!” burst out the infuriated Miss Cordova. “And I can tell a little that will help,” grimly added Nan Burdette. There was a glitter in Hilton’s dark eyes, and he bared his white teeth. “And what I’ve got to tell will jam up her game even worse! You and she are not going to get away with this!” “The three of you are going to say exactly nothing! Nan Burdette,”--with sudden incisiveness,--“I know your part in that Gordon affair. Miss Cordova, I’ve got more than a hunch about that pearl necklace Mrs. Sinclair gave her husband to have repaired and which strangely disappeared. And, Hilton, I’ve got a lead about a certain lady who fainted--she really drank drugged tea--at an afternoon dance at the Grantham and whose diamond brooch was not afterwards found. I’d run every one of you in this minute--only I’d rather keep things quiet and give Miss Regan her chance to do just as she pleases concerning Jack Morton. But if there is one word--and I’ll know it, if there is--if there’s one word from any of you that touches on Miss Regan, I’ll get every one of you!” He turned sharply on Loveman. “These are your people, Peter Loveman; working under your orders. You tell them to keep their mouths closed about Miss Regan; if there’s a peep, something very unexpected is also going to happen to you.” “See here, Clifford,” protested Loveman, “I’ve no control over them!” “Believe it or not, Loveman, but I’ve got you, too,” Clifford retorted sharply, “only I’d rather not close in on you just yet unless you make me. You’ll give them that order and see that they obey it, or you’ll get what you’ll get!” Loveman gazed for a moment longer into Clifford’s set face. Then with a feeble attempt at a pleasant smile he turned to the others:-- “I guess you all understand that I’d like to have you do as Mr. Clifford says.” “That’s all,” said Clifford sharply. “Now, get out of here--all of you. You can settle your bills outside. I give you just one minute.”