"You wish to see Mr. McCormick himself?"
"That fact should be self-evident even to a detective, since I have gained admittance as far as this." Her tone was pleasant, but peremptory, as if she were addressing an inquisitive schoolboy, and the young man gasped, but preceded doggedly with the formula.
"You have no appointment?"
"None. I have already stated that to a red-headed boy, two totally uninterested young ladies and several men, as you are doubtless aware."
A harassed look was creeping into the eyes of her inquisitor.
"If you will kindly state the nature of your business, Madame—"
"I came here to consult a private detective, not to discuss my affairs with his subordinates or shout them from the housetops." A sharper note had penetrated her tones as if a smooth weapon were suddenly turned edge upwards. "If your Mr. McCormick is too busy to talk to me in person, I prefer not to waste further time."
The young man rose resignedly.
"I think the Chief is at liberty now. Step this way, Madame."
He threw back a door at the farther end of the office, revealing a huge corner room walled on two sides by windows, from which a dazzling glare shone full upon their faces. A heavy-set, brawny figure, with keen eyes beneath beetling brows and a straight-clipped black mustache, rose impressively to receive her as the door closed behind her guide.