As though in hearty agreement, the naked man burst into a violent fit of shivering.
“It wasn't a bath,” he gasped. “It was a bet!”
“A what!” exclaimed Fred. His admiration was increasing. “A bet? Then you are not alone?”
“I am NOW—damn them!” exclaimed the naked one. He began again reluctantly. “We saw you from the road, you and a woman, sitting here in the light from that room. They bet me I didn't dare strip and swim across your pond with you sitting so near. I can see now it was framed up on me from the start. For when I was swimming back I saw them run to where I'd left my clothes, and then I heard them crank up, and when I got to the hedge the car was gone!”
Keep smiled encouragingly. “The car!” he assented. “So you've been riding around in the moonlight?”
The other nodded, and was about to speak when there burst in upon them the roaring scream of the siren. The note now was of deeper rage, and came in greater volume. Between his clinched teeth the naked one cursed fiercely, and then, as though to avoid further questions, burst into a fit of coughing. Trembling and shaking, he drew the canvas cloak closer to him. But at no time did his anxious, prying eyes leave the eyes of Keep.
“You—you couldn't lend me a suit of clothes could you?” he stuttered. “Just for to-night? I'll send them back. It's all right,” he added; reassuringly. “I live near here.”
With a start Keep raised his eyes, and distressed by his look, the young man continued less confidently.
“I don't blame you if you don't believe it,” he stammered, “seeing me like this; but I DO live right near here. Everybody around here knows me, and I guess you've read about me in the papers, too. I'm—that is, my name—” like one about to take a plunge he drew a short breath, and the rat-like eyes regarded Keep watchfully—“my name is Van Warden. I'm the one you read about—Harry—I'm Harry Van Warden!”
After a pause, slowly and reprovingly Fred shook his head; but his smile was kindly even regretful, as though he were sorry he could not longer enjoy the stranger's confidences.