"What'd you come for?"
"To warn Daren Lane that you were going to raid these club-rooms to-night."
"Who told you?"
"I won't tell. I got it over the 'phone." I ran over here. I knew where the key was. I've been here before—afternoons—dancing.... I let myself in.... But when they—they came I got frightened and hid in the closet."
Chief Bell seemed about to give way to passion, but he controlled it. After that moment he changed subtly.
"Is Daren Lane your friend?" he demanded.
"Yes. The best and truest any girl ever had.... Dad, you know mother told you I had changed lately. I have. And it's through Daren."
"Where'd you see him?"
"He has been coming out to the house in the afternoons."
"Well, I'm damned," muttered the Chief, and wheeled away. Sight of his gaping patrolman seemed to galvanize him into further realization of the situation. "Smith, beat it out and draw the other men round in front. Give me time enough to get Bessy out. Send hurry call for ambulance.... And Smith, keep your mouth shut. I'll make it all right. If Mrs. Bell hears of this my life will be a hell on earth."