“But,” he went on, “I am sorry for her. It’s nobody’s business who or what she is, yet those women over at the Adams house are one and all possessed to find out something against her. I only want to advise you, Cray, if you talk to anybody over there, get Old Salt himself. He’s more fair minded than his wife or the other women.”
“Men are apt to be—where a pretty girl is concerned,” said Cray, drily, and Lockwood ground his teeth in rage, as the Attorney went away.
His demand to see Miss Austin was listened to by Old Salt Adams, who had seen him coming and opened the door for him.
“Well, Cray,” said the old man, as he ushered him into the sitting room and shut the door. “I know what you’re after—and I just want to say, go slow. That’s all—go slow.”
“All right, Salt. Will you send Miss Austin down here—also, I must interview her alone.”
“Yes—I understand. But don’t be led away now, by circumstantial evidence. You know yourself, it isn’t always dependable.”
“Go along, Salt, don’t try to teach me my business. Have you talked to the girl?”
“Not a word. My wife has, but she didn’t learn much.”
Adams went away, and in a few moments Anita Austin came into the room.
A first glance showed Cray’s experienced eye that the girl was what he called a siren.