Farnsworth took up the telephone and soon had Raymond Gale on the wire.
He asked him frankly for the name of the two people who were calling on
Azalea when he recognised them.
"Miss Thorpe asked me not to tell," said Gale, "I'm sorry, old chap, but
I promised her I wouldn't."
"But it's an important matter, Ray, and a case in which I'm sure you're justified in breaking your promise—"
"Can't do it! Can't break my word given to a lady."
"But Azalea is a mere girl, and a headstrong, ignorant one, at that. She is in our care, and it is our duty to know with whom she associates. Who were those people?"
"Seriously, Farnsworth, I can't tell you. Miss Thorpe asked me definitely not to do so, and I gave her my promise. You must see,—as man to man,—I can't tell you."
"I see your point, and I quite agree, in a general way. But, Gale, this is a—well, a crisis. I'm investigating a mystery and I must know who those people are."
"Ask Miss Thorpe."
"I have, and she won't tell."
"Then you surely can't expect me to! After I promised to keep her secret!"