“Oh, so you’ve been listening to him?”
“By your own admission you have good reason not to use your true name.”
“And it is a good reason,” the man returned with emphasis. “Connie, I want you to promise that you’ll not say anything to Blakeman about this.”
“Why should I protect you? You’ve given me no explanation for trying to break into his chest. In fact——”
Connie’s voice trailed off for just at that moment Lefty appeared in the doorway. He looked quickly from one to the other. But he gave no indication that he had overheard the conversation.
“Connie,” he said significantly, “Mr. Grimes has been talking with Cecil. He wants to see you right away.”
“I’ll come,” said the girl wearily.
She faced Jim Barrows once more. “There are still several things I wish to say to you,” she told him gravely. “We’ll finish our conversation after I have seen Mr. Grimes.”
CHAPTER XV
An Unpleasant Revelation
Connie walked slowly toward the ranch house, inwardly bracing herself for an unpleasant interview with Mr. Grimes. She found the old gentleman awaiting her on the veranda.