"What affairs?" asked de Socotra with a great parade of innocence.
"What is the use of making pretenses among us three? We know, and you know that we know."
"But no one else knows," was the smiling reply. "And there is no proof in existence."
"You don't know what proof we have. Come to Mrs. Bickle's house and we will lay our case before you. You can then decide whether or not you care to accept the conditions that we lay down."
De Socotra hesitated. Bravado and simple curiosity struggled with the man's sense of prudence. Above all he was a gamester.
"When do you want me to come?"
"It is four now. We will expect you between five and six."
"Very well, I'll be there."
Upon the stroke of half-past five de Socotra drove up to Bessie Bickle's in a taxi-cab. He bade the man wait. Amy and Greg met him at the front door. He came alone.
"You are a bold man, Francisco," said Amy.