"It's true, however; I mean to serve Hammon. At the same time I must serve myself and those who trust me. My honor is concerned in this as well as his, and there is a rigid code in money matters. If what I suspect is true, Hammon's infatuation promises to do harm to innocent people. I fear—in fact, I'm sure—that he is being used. I've learned things about Miss Lynn that you may not know. What you have told me to-night adds to my anxiety, and I must know more."
"What, for instance?"
"Her real feeling for him—her intentions—her relations with a man named Melcher—"
"Maxey Melcher?"
"The same. You know his business?"
"No."
"He is a gambler, a political power; a crafty, unscrupulous fellow who represents—big people. By helping me you can serve many innocent persons and, most of all, perhaps, Hammon himself."
Lorelei was silent for a moment. "This is very unusual," she said, at length. "I don't know whether to believe you or not."
"Suppose, then, you let the matter rest and keep your eyes open. When you convince yourself who means best to Jarvis—Miss Lynn and Melcher and their crowd, or I and mine—make your decision. You may name your own price."
"There wouldn't be any price," she told him, impatiently. "I'll wait."