"Murk, you remain just outside this gate," he instructed. "If I have good luck, I'll come out with a man, and I may want to take him with us. Be ready to help in case I get in wrong."
"Sure thing, sir," Murk said.
Prale passed through the gate, went up the walk, and lifted the knocker on the front door. A moment, and a servant appeared and looked at him searchingly.
"I wish to see Mr. Griffin at once on important business," Prale said. "Kindly take my card to him."
Then Prale waited with his heart in his mouth. Was Griffin at home? The servant instantly assured him of that, and carried the card away. Prale had written "Important Business" on it.
The servant returned soon and announced that Mr. Griffin would see the visitor. Prale followed him down the hall to the library. He was glad that Griffin had chosen to receive him there, for there was less likelihood of an interruption. The servant opened the door, and Sidney Prale stepped inside.
Griffin was sitting beside the long table, and he arose immediately and turned.
"You!" he gasped.
"Pardon the deception——"
"James! James!" Griffin thundered.