"Well, you have come to the wrong parties to get information about Mr. Bloodgood," said Frank. "But, if you are so particular about your company, it might be well to learn something concerning the other members of your party."
"Oh—er—I know all about them," asserted Mr. Slush.
"Indeed?"
"Yes. Hugh Hazleton is the younger son of an English nobleman, and he is—is all—right."
"Who told you this?"
"He did."
"Then it must be true," grunted Browning, with a grin on his broad face.
"Yes," nodded the little man, innocently, "that is—ah—settled. M. Rouen Montfort is a—a great French journalist and—er—writer of books."
"Is that so?" smiled Merry. "Queer, I never heard of him. I suppose he told you this?"
"Oh, yes. He is a very fine—gentleman. Ah—did Mr. Bloodgood invite—er—any of you to come into the—ah—game?"