"Unfortunately, yes."
"Do not fear! He shall not come between you," said Mark Horton. "My eyes are being opened to his schemes."
"Sure an' he's a snake in the grass," burst out Mrs. Kennedy.
She had scarcely spoken when there was another arrival at the mansion, and Homer Bulson came in.
On seeing the assembled company, he was nearly struck dumb. He looked from one to another in open-mouthed and speechless amazement.
"Why—er—how did you get here?" he questioned at last, addressing Gertrude.
"That is my affair, Mr. Bulson," she answered coldly.
"And you?" he added, turning sharply to our hero. "You have no business in a gentleman's house."
"Homer!" exclaimed Mark Horton, and shook his fist at his nephew.
"Hush, uncle! We will deal with him," remonstrated Gertrude. "Pray, do not excite yourself."