“I know they have some business schemes together, Madame has often told me so,” went on the girl. “But while I was away at Keswick I purposely got into conversation with an old gentleman named Lloyd at Madame’s suggestion, as she told me our acquaintanceship would be useful to some business scheme of Vincent’s. It appears that he wanted to become acquainted with Mr. Lloyd.”
“And you acted upon her suggestion?” I asked, horrified that she was becoming the decoy of that circle of super-crooks.
“Yes, though it was against my will,” was her reply. “I contrived to allow him to have an opportunity to chat with me, and I afterwards introduced Madame as my companion.”
“And what followed?” I asked eagerly.
“Oh, he was very often with us, and took us for rides in his car all through the Lakes. The hotel was full of smart people, and I think they envied us.”
I was silent for a moment.
“Have you any idea who Mr. Lloyd may be?” I asked.
“No, except that Madame told me that he is immensely rich. A few days later father came over to Keswick and stayed a few days and met him. But the whole affair was most mysterious. I can’t make it out,” declared the girl. “Mr. Duperré never met him after all.”
“We must remain patient and watch,” I urged.
This we did, and very soon there came a strange development of that carefully planned introduction.