"How are things going?" she asked.
The consciousness of defeat still rankled in Jack's breast; he felt a very natural desire to shine in somebody's eyes, so he said carelessly:
"My net is closing around the old man. He can't escape me now. I'll gather him in, when my case is complete."
"Fine!" said Kate.
But Jack could not be sure there was not a faint ring of irony in her voice. He never could be sure of Kate.
"All my lines are working well," he went on. "I had a glimpse of the old man to-day, but I thought it was better to let him go for awhile. I'm not sure of being able to convict him."
"This morning when you left this house I believe you were followed," said Kate.
Jack was not going to admit just then that there was anything he had overlooked. "Oh, I think not."
"Well, I noticed a man standing at the corner looking at this house. His hat was pulled down over his eyes. As soon as you went out he disappeared."
"I take precautions against being trailed," said Jack.