Now, while this remarkable interview was taking place in the inner sanctum Phil Kendrick was again shaking hands with Conway in the outer office. A moment later he went on through to the secretary's office, speculating on just what he should say to the self-contained Miss Williams. But, as before, he found her office deserted. To his amazement when he glanced through the inner doorway he saw her for the second time on one knee in front of the keyhole of Ferguson's private office.
She came towards him swiftly, closing the doors behind her as she had done on the occasion of his first visit. She was very angry; that much was apparent.
"I'll admit, Miss Williams, that it is often extremely difficult to break off a bad habit——"
"Mr. Ferguson is busy," she snapped.
"I would judge as much," said Kendrick dryly. "He is expecting me. If you will just hand him my card please,—Thank you."
He was surprised at the look of disdain with which she took his card. Surely this girl whom he had caught twice in the act of eavesdropping upon her employer ought to be grateful for his silence, his toleration of such an utter misdemeanor! Instead, her whole attitude was one of dislike. She made no attempt to conceal it. It might do her good to get a sharp rebuke from Ferguson, and he was of two minds whether or not to speak to the lawyer about her. Then he remembered that she was only substituting and that dismissal would not mean much to her. There was the chance that it was just her woman's curiosity to know what was going on. Women were often like that, he had heard.
"Mr. Ferguson will see you now. Tell him anything you like." She eyed him coolly.
Phil gave her a cheerful smile as he passed on into the private office.
Podmore had just gone.
"I had no trouble in getting a line on him for you, Phil. He came in right after you 'phoned and has been here ever since. Now, what the devil's the meaning of all this? What are you up to?"
"Tell me just what he said to you, Blatch," said Kendrick, refusing a cigar and filling his pipe.