"But you didn't tell us everything this afternoon?" said Arnold.
"What else there is to be told will be explained when Jasher is here," replied the Greek grimly; "it won't be pleasant for him."
"Guess there's no honour amongst thieves," muttered Tracey, toasting his steaming feet. "Say, professor," he added aloud, "why do you call that low-down cuss Jasher?"
"Has he another name?" asked Bocaros.
"He's bad enough to have a dozen names," growled Tracey, who did not intend to give away Mrs. Baldwin's secret, for Bocaros was just the man to make capital out of it. He had only made a tentative attempt to see if Bocaros knew anything of the matter. Apparently he did not, and to him Jasher was simply the private inquiry-agent he represented himself to be.
While they were thus talking a soft knock came to the window. The Greek put his finger to his lips and nodded silently. Evidently this was Jasher's private signal. When Bocaros left the room to admit his confederate--for Jasher was nothing more and nothing less--the young men felt for their revolvers. It was not likely that Jasher would give in without a struggle, and a show of force might be necessary. Arnold's heart thrilled at the coming fight, and Tracey's eyes glittered. "It might be a clearing out West," he whispered Calvert, "with judge Lynch holding his court."
Jasher, round and ruddy and as complacent as ever, entered in the wake of Bocaros. He had no idea that the Greek had betrayed him, for he shook hands--he insisted on shaking hands--with much gusto. "I am glad you are here, Mr. Calvert," said he, sitting down. "I have much to say. But what brings you to this quarter?"
"We have made a few discoveries ourselves," said Calvert, "and we came to talk them over with the professor."
"Why, the professor knows nothing," said Jasher, still quite unsuspicious. "Let me hear what you have found out."
"On the contrary, I should like to hear of your discoveries."