In some manner the girl whom he had promised to remove for Merle Macray had penetrated his disguise, and the secret he had guarded so well, carrying it across the ocean, was in the hands of a creature whose whole thought was revenge.
"We can be friends, Roland Riggs," continued Stareyes. "You have just seen him—I saw both of you at the bridge—and you have given him a promise."
"You know him?"
"Who has cause to know him better?" cried Stareyes. "I've known him ever since he came out to Australia; and with her whom he serves he plays a bold hand for money."
"Tell me about him."
The face came nearer, and the next moment the girl dropped deftly from the hay and stood before the detective.
"They call me Stareyes," she went on. "I am an Australian. My father died on a ranch years ago, and my mother—about her anon, perhaps. But first tell me what fetches you out here? What made you quit your own country? What did Merle Macray do there?"
Old Broadbrim hesitated.
Should he tell this girl of the crime on Fifth Avenue?
Would it be altogether wise to acquaint her with the real secret of his mission?