“It’s one thing having a friend in the dark, old man, and another having an enemy. I suppose that’s what you mean. Well, have I been much of an enemy to you?”
“I just told you what I think about that.” Larry misinterpreted Maclin’s manner and took advantage.
“Larry, I’m going to give you something to chew on because I am your friend and because I want you to trust me, even in the dark. The fellow Northrup–––”
Larry started as if an electric spark had touched him. Maclin appeared not to notice.
“––is on our tracks, but he mustn’t suspect that we have sensed it.” The words were ill-chosen. Having any one on his tracks was a significant phrase that left an ugly fear in Larry’s mind.
“What tracks?” he asked suspiciously.
“Our inventions.” Maclin showed no nervous dread. “These inventions, big as they are, old man, are devilish simple. That’s why we have to lie low. Any really keen chap with the right slant could steal them from under our noses. That’s why I like to get foreigners in here––these Dutchies don’t smell around. Give them work to do, and they do it and ask no questions; the others snoop. Now this Northrup is here for a purpose.”
“You know that for a fact, Maclin?”
“Sure, I know it.” Maclin was a man who believed in holding all the cards and discarding at his leisure; he always played a slow game. “I know his kind, but I’m going to let him hang himself. Now see here, Rivers, you better take me into your confidence––I may be able to fix you up. What’s wrong between you and your wife?”