“She was engaged to Robert Buchanan,” said Hasbrouck. “Therefore, she might furnish a clew. I should like to speak with her.”
“There is no reason for that,” declared Glendenning emphatically.
“I disagree with you!” retorted Hasbrouck.
The old man glowered. He looked fiercely toward the detective; then turned suddenly to Larkin.
“Call Miss Margaret,” he ordered. “Tell her I would like to speak to her. We shall end this matter now!”
Hasbrouck smiled as the secretary left. He had won his point. On his previous visits, Glendenning had refused to let him meet the girl. Now the wish had been granted.
Neither man spoke during the interim of waiting. The silence troubled Hasbrouck. Why had Clinton Glendenning suddenly capitulated?
It was obvious that the old man did not wish to give out any information upon the subject of Robert Buchanan. Margaret Glendenning was the important key. From her, Hasbrouck might expect statements which her uncle would not make.
But another thought disturbed the detective’s mind. Had Margaret Glendenning been schooled for this pending interview? If so, her remarks would be of little value. Suppose she did talk — what then? It would antagonize the old man toward Hasbrouck.
The detective pondered as he considered such a situation. Were his fears forebodings? Would Clinton Glendenning use some method to thwart him, if he learned facts that the old man did not want him to know?