"Eureka Protective Association. Whom do you protect?"
"Millionaires!"
Thereupon Jack had to submit to hearing again what a fine concern Eureka was, what a benefit it conferred on the public, etc., etc. Though Anderson was at his ease with his friend, he told it all as seriously as before; there was no suggestion of a tongue in his cheek. Jack listened with well-assumed interest, hoping to get some real light on the subject later.
"How did you get into it in the first place?" he asked.
"Dumb luck!" said Anderson. "I'll tell you all about it some day."
Jack, fearful of spoiling everything by a display of eagerness, let the matter drop for the present. Fate presently rewarded his discretion.
"I haven't a thing to do this afternoon," said Anderson. "And you said you weren't busy. Let's go out and have a drink."
Mr. Pitman did not refuse, of course. They went and had their drink, and had another, and in the course of the afternoon Anderson's tongue was gradually unloosed, and the whole story came out.
"It was three years ago it started. I was doing a general detective business, and just barely making out, week by week. It was the time that big millionaire Ames Benton was killed by anarchists; remember?"
Jack nodded. He had a feeling that the loose ends of his case were now beginning to draw together.