“That is very kind, Mr. Vaughn, I’m sure,” said Chick, steadily eying him.
“Vaughn?” queried Deland, with brows lifted.
Fannie Coyle laughed audibly.
“Pardon. I got my names mixed,” Chick said dryly, observing that he had evoked no sign of apprehensions. “I’m looking into a case of robbery committed in Fifth Avenue last night, of which a man named Gerald Vaughn is suspected.”
“Ah, I see,” Deland exclaimed pleasantly. “That is why you happened to call me by that name.”
“Exactly.”
“The mistake is quite pardonable, Charles, I’m sure,” remarked the woman.
“Yes, indeed,” Deland bowed agreeably. “We know, of[Pg 27] course, that Mr. Alden has not called to interview us about a robbery.”
“I should think not. That would be absurd.”
“I leave it to you, Mr. Alden.”