As Brent turned back into the library he paused a moment and looked after Locke, hesitating, as if he would call him back. Then he decided not to do so, turned, and carefully locked the door from the dining-room into the hallway.
Eva was waiting at the head of the stairs as Locke, perplexed by the strange actions of his employer, came up.
"What is the trouble?" she repeated, anxiously. "Please tell me. Is there anything wrong?"
"No—nothing," reassured Locke, in spite of his own doubt. "Everything is all right."
"I hope so." Eva lingered. "Good night."
Locke bowed admiringly. But there was the same restraint in his look that had been shown in the afternoon.
"Good night," he murmured, slowly.
Eva quite understood, and there was a smile of encouragement on her face as she turned away and flitted down the hall to her room.
Outside, Zita had hurried from the house to the nearest public telephone-booth and was frantically calling Balcom at his apartment.
"Mr. Balcom," she repeated, breathlessly, as the junior partner answered, "Flint has returned. I have seen him."