"Things look bad. I'm afraid we'll be implicated, too. Better see your brother quickly. M."
CHAPTER IX
Lorelei was not a little mystified by Merkle's cryptic message, for she could imagine no possible way in which she or the writer himself could be connected discreditably with Jarvis Hammon's affair. She gained some light, however, when that evening she read the note to Lilas.
"Why, they're going to blackmail Merkle, too," Lilas exclaimed. "Well, they'd be foolish to let him off, wouldn't they? Two millionaires out with two showgirls! Hilarious foursome at the Chateau! Automobile wreck! Foxy Pinkertons and flash-light photographs! Nice story."
"So they think he'll pay to keep his name out of the papers?"
"Exactly. And he will—for your sake."
"I won't let him."
Lilas was surprised. "Why? He's rich. He wouldn't miss a few thousand."
"You wouldn't allow Mr. Hammon to be robbed, would you?"
"Oh, wouldn't I? If he didn't care enough for me to protect me from scandal I'd want to know it."