“Nothing much,” replied the girl. “I couldn't rid myself of the feeling that they had murdered you, by leaving you back there alone and wounded. I began to think 'coward' every time I saw Mr. Mallory. I couldn't marry him, feeling that way toward him, and, Billy, I really never LOVED him as—as—” Again she stumbled, but the mucker made no attempt to grasp the opportunity opened before him.
Instead he crossed the library to the telephone. Running through the book he came presently upon the number he sought. A moment later he had his connection.
“Is this Mallory?” he asked.
“I'm Byrne—Billy Byrne. De guy dat cracked your puss fer youse on de Lotus.”
“Dead, hell! Not me. Say, I'm up here at Barbara's.”
“Yes, dat's wot I said. She wants youse to beat it up here's swift as youse kin beat it.”
Barbara Harding stepped forward. Her eyes were blazing.
“How dare you?” she cried, attempting to seize the telephone from Billy's grasp.
He turned his huge frame between her and the instrument. “Git a move!” he shouted into the mouthpiece. “Good-bye!” and he hung up.
Then he turned back toward the angry girl.