"I knew I was right," he said, "but what the deuce does it mean? Anything else to tell me?" "Yes. Sit down, for Heaven's sake. My head's aching and you irritate me walking about." He obeyed and continued his interrogation. "In love with him once, weren't you?" "Once," she replied. "And you've no very good reason for wishing him well?" "I've a very particular reason for wishing him ill." "Hm! His engagement to Miss Irish?" "Perhaps." "How did you come to be mixed up in this affair?" "I happened to know Mr. Hipps and heard what was going on through him. It was my idea--kidnapping Anthony. Doubt if they'd have had the nerve to think of it for themselves." "D'you think they'll get him to talk?" "I don't think _they_ will get him to talk," she replied, "but----" "Yes?" "But I could. He's a tough proposition among men but a woman can worm a secret out of him--at least----" She stopped and shook her head. "Yes?" "That used to be my impression." "Has it altered then?" "I'm not quite so certain as I used to be. He was different last night----" Harrison Smith leant forward. "Tell me," he said, very earnestly, "did you notice anything queer about his eyes?" "I don't know." "Try to remember." "Four years is a long while." "But to a woman like you." "I believe something struck me--they puckered at the corners a bit--rather attractively." "That's it," said Harrison Smith. "That's exactly it. Lord, I wish I could understand." "What's troubling you?" "Just a crazy idea--probably it's nonsense. By the way, I've had orders from our employers to leave it alone so you'd do me a kindness by saying nothing of this visit." "All right," she replied listlessly. "But I don't see----" "It's solid in my head that a muddle has been made--and between you and me, I'm going to sift it out." "I shouldn't," said Auriole. "You won't be thanked for disobeying orders." "Must take a chance of that," he answered. "Only learnt yesterday what it was all about and the size of the deal has got me gasping." "Pretty tremendous, isn't it?" "Big enough to be worth taking some private trouble over. You don't imagine Barraclough would have deputed anyone else to get the concession?" She shook her head. "Neither do I. But if it isn't that why does his crowd sit still and grin?" "I suppose they don't know of his capture." "Maybe. 'Tany rate, it's what our folk believe. I have my own views." "Tell me." "They're a trifle too fantastic for publication yet awhile." He rose and buttoned his gloves. "There's to be a meeting at Lord Almont's flat this morning. I'm going to hang about and study character." "Better not be seen." "Trust me. I'll take cover in the motor show rooms on the street level and watch 'em as they come out." "Hm! Goodbye." And she held out her hand. "Au 'voir. You look a bit down this morning." "Don't feel up to much." He scanned her face quizzically. "Those tender feelings haven't revived, have they?"