“Met him traveling, I understand. They were in a train-wreck.”

“Oh, that’s the man! But Frank didn’t tell me he was wild.”

“Well,” said the other, “Frank would naturally stand up for him. I suppose he’s trying to keep him straight.”

There was a silence. Then suddenly Sylvia asked, “Harley, did you ever meet Douglas van Tuiver?”

“No!” replied Harley. “Why do you ask?”

“Nothing—only I heard of him, and I was thinking perhaps he’d be a good man to help you.”

“Small doubt of that,” said the boy, with a laugh. “But it might be difficult to meet him.”

“Why?”

“Well, he picks the people he meets. And he doesn’t come to public affairs.”

“Stop and think a minute. Is there nobody who might know him?”