The door to Hilliard's office opened, and he heard the rustle of a woman's dress; then his own name spoken—"Come in, Mr. Emerson."
His attention centred on the approaching interview, he did not glance toward the departing visitor until she stopped suddenly at the outer door, and came straight toward him with outstretched hands.
"Boyd!"
He checked himself, and turned to face Cherry Malotte.
"Why, Cherry," he ejaculated, "what in the world—" He took her two hands in his, and she laughed up into his face. "In the name of Heaven, where did you come from?"
"I arrived last night on the Queen," she said. "Oh, I'm glad to see you!"
"But what brings you to the States? I thought you were in Kal—"
"Sh-h!" She laid a finger on her lips, with a glance over her shoulder at the door to the inner office. "I'll tell you about it later."
"Mr. Hilliard will see you now, sir," the attendant announced to
Emerson.
"I must talk to you right away!" Boyd exclaimed, hurriedly. "I won't be long. Can you wait?"