Green was enlightened in a few minutes. The music ceased and immediately afterward he saw Mary Sturtevant appear in the window. Glancing hastily about, probably to make sure that she was not observed, the girl quickly stepped through the window and into the shadow at one side. A low, peculiar whistle came from the man, and the girl instantly reappeared as she approached him. Green could not hear their greeting, but they turned and moved toward his place of concealment, evidently seeking the shadow of the tree for a conference. Green cautiously moved around the tree, placing its massive trunk between himself and the approaching couple. They came so near that Green dared not look around the trunk at them. He stood with his back pressed against the tree and listened.
"And now, tell me how matters stand tonight," requested the man, evidently ending a report of his own.
"No one has left the room except Mr. Forrester," replied Mary Sturtevant. "He started for the tree a few minutes ago."
"Take anyone with him?"
"I'm not sure. He arrived with that private detective and he may have taken him along."
"Very likely," assented the man. "And there will be city detectives there, too, that I know. It will be very difficult for anybody to approach that tree tonight. It may spoil our plans."
"Mr. Forrester's case certainly seems to be attracting more attention than the others," commented the girl.
"That's because he is putting up a real fight. To tell you the truth, I have my doubts about the package of money he is putting in the tree tonight. It probably isn't worth the danger involved to get it."
"Do you think he will take the risk? Surely he knows that punishment would be certain."
"I think it will take a lot to scare that chap. He will probably still be fighting after we have listed other victims. I must hurry now if I am to get there on time. I'll phone you after you get home."