“I don’t remember,” she answered.
“Oh, you don’t remember,” he said, fixing her with his cold eye. “But you remember whom you paid the money to?”
“Of course she does,” Ethel cried, coming to her sister’s aid. She was herself puzzled at this strange man’s attitude. “You do, don’t you, Amy?”
“Why, yes,” the other said weakly.
“Give me the names!” Taylor demanded, and then looked angrily up to see who had entered his office unbidden. It was James Duncan, apologetic, but urged by powers higher than those of his chief.
“The Collector and the Secretary want to see you right away, sir,” he announced.
“I can’t leave now,” Taylor cried angrily. And in that moment both girls realized of what ruthless metal he was cast. Gone was the amiable interest in family matters and the kindly wish to aid two girls in getting back their trinkets, and there was left a strong remorseless man who showed he had them very nearly in his power.
But Duncan dared not go back with such a message.
“I explained you were busy, Chief,” he said, “but they would have you come down at once, as the Secretary has to go back to Washington. It’s about that necklace. The one coming in on the Mauretania this afternoon.”
“Oh, very well,” his superior snapped. “I shall have to ask you ladies to excuse me for five minutes.”