She was in no hurry to go up-stairs to her room and the reason for this was evident when she caught the faint sound of the latchkey turning in the front door, which brought her to her feet and sent her running softly into the hall. She intercepted the valet as he was about to make a stealthy ascent of the staircase and motioned him into the library.
"Where's the boss?" whispered Pete.
"He has gone up-stairs. I want to talk to you a moment."
"Yes, miss."
Mary looked at him sharply; whenever he addressed her in that manner she was filled with a sensation of being mocked.
"Does Mr. Marshall attend many prize-fights?" she inquired.
Pete clasped his hands and pursed his lips.
"Well, between you and me, miss," he said, after an instant of deliberation, "I'm afraid he attends about all there are."
"Has he ever been arrested before?"
"Not that I can recall, miss. I'm quite sure this is the first time since I have been in his employ."