"Well, Slade's turned the trick," said Gunther, joining his friend. "But how he managed to wriggle through is a mystery."
"Haven't seen the papers," said Beecher. "What do they say about Emma Fornez?"
"Couldn't be better. The third act bowled 'em over," said Gunther, laughing. Beecher had told him of the diva's prophecy. "By the way, Ted, my long shot may not prove such a wild one. Mapleson is a close friend of the Cheevers—rather attentive to the lady, who from all accounts is a rather frisky one. I telephoned McKenna about it and he seemed distinctly interested."
"McKenna?" said Beecher, opening his eyes.
"Well, yes," said Gunther, laughing; "but forget I told you. Besides, I have a feeling that things will open up now."
"Is McKenna on the trail of any one?"
"Well, yes," said Gunther slowly; "and I don't think it'll be long now before we hear of him. How about lunch?"
At this moment a boy arrived with summons for Beecher to the telephone. He did not recognize the voice immediately.
"You don't know who it is?" said a woman.
He thought he recognized the tones of Miss Rivers, whom he had shamefully neglected in the excitement of the last days; but, warily, he did not commit himself.