"You set a man to spy on me, Mr. Ireland, and now I mean to spy on you. We'll see if turn and turn about is not fair play, and if you dare to try to prevent my going exactly where I please."
Still ignoring her, Ireland went into the hall. There he found Hollier in waiting.
"Any report, Hollier?"
"Nothing material, sir. I followed Mr. Franklyn to Medina Villas and back, but saw nothing to cause me to suppose that he was in communication with Mr. Paxton."
"You remain here until I relieve you. If Mr. Paxton returns, arrest him. Send for me if I am required. I will leave a man outside, so that you can have help, if it is needed."
Ireland went through the hall, and through the door, Miss Strong hard upon his heels. On the steps he turned and spoke to her.
"Now, Miss Strong, if you are wise, you'll go home and go to bed. You may do as you like about attempting to follow me, but I promise you, I shall not permit you to dog my footsteps one moment longer than it suits my convenience. On that point you need be under no misapprehension."
The detective strode away. Miss Strong was about to follow, when Miss Wentworth caught her by the arm.
"Now, Daisy, be reasonable--you'll do no good by persisting--let's go home."
"Loose my arm."