“I see,” said Clifford. “But there are a few difficulties. How about the older Morton and his urgent invitation to a cruise for two passengers among the West Indies?”
“So long as I can keep in hiding, that’s not a pressing problem. And if somehow he learns where I am, I shall be evasive; I can manage that.”
“And Peter Loveman, if he finds you are here?”
“I can handle Peter Loveman,” she replied confidently; and then added: “Not long ago he wanted me to give up my plan concerning Jack. In fact he threatened me.”
“Why?” Clifford asked quickly.
“He said I could not possibly succeed. Also there was something else he wanted me to do.”
“And you replied to him?”
“I told him I was going straight ahead. And I showed him that I was stronger than he was. He then suddenly became pleasant again, said his threat had been only a joke. If I called the turn on him once, I guess I can call it again if necessary.”
Clifford made mental note of this threat. “Let’s come back to Jack. Would you mind being more explicit why, and in what way, you want me to help?”
“All my chances of success are based upon making a man of Jack. As matters now stand, it would ruin everything if I were to see him often. Jack is very susceptible to the influence of the people immediately around him—and if I dare not see him, how can I influence him? That is my supreme difficulty.”