"My dear, it's late. You'll need to get home."
"No, no."
"Really?" His eagerness was genuine. "Won't your people worry?"
Her answer was a short, mirthless laugh that made him glance at her curiously. "They know I'm perfectly safe. It's the other way round: a man of your standing takes chances by being alone with a woman of—mine."
"Which reminds me of Miss Lynn and Mr. Hammon. You've decided to accept my offer?"
"No. I can't be a hired spy."
"You said over the 'phone that you had learned something."
"I have. I believe there is an effort on foot to get some of Mr.
Hammon's money dishonestly. I have a reason for wishing to prevent it."
"I knew I wasn't mistaken in you," smiled Merkle.
"Oh, don't attribute my actions to any high moral motives! I'm getting a little rusty on right and wrong. Personally, I have no sympathy with Mr. Hammon, and I don't imagine he acquired all of his tremendous fortune in a perfectly honorable way. Besides, he's a married man."