"Maybe we could have a word with you, private-like."
"Won't you step in?"
Presently they were all three seated in the living room, the big man continuing as spokesman.
"Ah, now, about your brother, Miss Follett; you're sure he isn't anywheres around?"
The inference from the tone was that somehow Jennie was secreting him.
"He isn't to my knowledge. He called up last evening to say that he wouldn't be home to-day, and perhaps not to-morrow."
The two men being seated within range of each other's eyes, some new understanding was flashed silently.
"Did he, then? And where would he have called up from?"
"From Paterson."
"From Paterson, was it? And what made you think it was from Paterson?"