"I'm the fellow that telephoned you just now—about Miss de Socotra."
Frank's jaw dropped.
Greg had not time to make explanations. He showed the boy the five dollar bill de Socotra had just tossed him. That did the trick, though the boy still gaped at him.
"You gave her my message?"
"Yes, just now."
"Only just now! It was a good five minutes ago!"
"I know. It wasn't my fault. They kept me waiting at the door. I suppose the girl had to wait for a chance to slip her word."
"You should have told the maid! She's safe."
"How was I to know that?"
"Is she out of the place?"