"Just how does that concern this discussion?"
"What business is it of mine, you mean. Well, Dr. Elliot, I'm pretty much interested in trying to make a real newspaper out of the 'Clarion.' My notion of a real newspaper is a decent, clean newspaper. If I can get my young boss to back me up, we'll have a try at my theory. To do this, I'll use any fair means. And if Miss Elliot's influence is going to be on my side, I'm glad to play it off against Dr. Surtaine's."
"Look here, Ellis, I don't like this association of my niece's name with young Surtaine."
"All right. I'll drop it, if you object. Maybe I'm wrong. I don't know Miss Elliot, anyway. But sooner or later there's coming one big fight in the 'Clarion' office, and it's going to open two pairs of eyes. Old Doc Surtaine is going to discover his son. Hal Surtaine is going to find out about the old man. Neither of 'em is going to be awfully pleased. And in that ruction the fate of the Neverfail Company's ad. is going to be decided and with it the fate and character of the 'Clarion.' Now, Dr. Elliot, my cards are on the table. Will you help me in the Rookeries matter?"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Go cautiously, and find out what that disease is."
"I'll go there to-morrow."
"They won't let you in."
"Won't they?" Dr. Elliot's jaw set.
"Don't risk it. Some of O'Farrell's thugs will pick a fight with you and the whole thing will be botched."