"No—we've heard nothing. What is it—some new nefarious scheme?"
Tod was silent, and looked at Paula. Noticing his hesitation, she was at once filled with apprehension. He had heard something and did not wish to cause her anxiety.
"Tell me," she said quickly, "what do you know of their plans? If you are my friend you will conceal nothing."
"Yes," chimed in Mr. Ricaby. "It would be a kindness to let us know."
Tod looked from one to the other in a perplexed sort of way. Evidently there was something on his mind that troubled him. Finally he said:
"I don't know a thing—honest I don't. They have some idea that I don't approve of their actions, so they tell me nothing. Only——"
Again he hesitated.
"Only what?" said Paula eagerly.
"There's a lot of talk going on," continued Tod. "Cooley's at the house every night, and they have long conferences in the library behind closed doors. Last night my curiosity got the better of my manners. I glued my eye to the keyhole and listened. Jimmy and Cooley were sitting at the table in silent consultation. There was another man present—Dr. Zacharie. You know Dr. Zacharie—the nerve specialist. I think he's a humbug and a charlatan myself, but he gets himself talked about, the women crowd his consulting rooms, and he's making piles of money. Suddenly your name was mentioned. I tried to hear what was said, but they spoke in low tones. Every now and then Cooley turned to Dr. Zacharie and asked something, whereupon the doctor nodded."
Paula looked at Mr. Ricaby.