Mr. Spargo?"

Spargo turned slowly, and for the first time since Myerst had entered
made a careful inspection of him. The inspection lasted several
seconds; then Spargo spoke.

"And what did you say to that?" he asked quietly.

Myerst looked from his questioner to Rathbury. And Rathbury thought it
time to enlighten the caller.

"I may as well tell you, Mr. Myerst," he said smilingly, "that this is
Mr. Spargo, of the _Watchman_. Mr. Spargo wrote the article about the
Marbury case of which you spoke when you came in. Mr. Spargo, you'll
gather, is deeply interested in this matter--and he and I, in our
different capacities, are working together. So--you understand?" Myerst
regarded Spargo in a new light. And while he was so looking at him.
Spargo repeated the question he had just put.

"I said--What did you say to that?"

Myerst hesitated.

"Well--er--I don't think I said anything," he replied. "Nothing that
one might call material, you know."

"Didn't ask him what he meant?" suggested Spargo.

"Oh, no--not at all," replied Myerst.