The young lady continued to stare at her visitor, and Ida went on:
“It is useless for you to call any one, for that will only result in your ruin and disgrace. As I told you, you have met with a person even more determined than yourself. You must submit.”
“Who are you?” the young lady blurted forth.
“My name is of no consequence,” said Ida. “It is enough for you to know that I am one of Nick Carter’s people. I have something to learn from you which you must tell.”
“‘Must! Must! Must!’” repeated the young lady, now nearly beside herself with anger. “In all my life, I have never permitted any one to say ‘must’ to me. How dare you, when my father never dared to say it to me?”
“Simply because,” said Ida, very quietly, “I am determined that you shall tell me what you know about Mr. Ellison.”
The manner of Ida, so calm, determined and selfpossessed, made an evident impression upon the young lady.
She came across the room, standing almost directly in front of Ida, and calmly studied the face of her visitor, as if it were new to her experience.
“I know that you are supposed to be a bold and courageous young lady,” said Ida. “I know it is commonly reported that you are not unaccustomed to scenes of danger. You are in no danger here, except such as may result from your refusal to tell me what justice demands you should tell. Now, please sit down and let us get this matter over.”
The mood of the young lady changed, and she laughed aloud, sarcastically rather than otherwise, saying, when she had had her laugh out: