He did so, and she brushed past him swiftly and stepped out into the
long hall. For a moment North stood staring after her, and then he
closed the door.




CHAPTER THREE

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS


When North quitted Marshall Langham's office, Gilmore, after a brief
instant of irresolution, stepped into the room. He was crudely,
handsome, a powerfully-built man of about Langham's own age,
swarthy-faced and with ruthless lips showing red under a black waxed
mustache. His hat was inclined at a "sporty" angle and the cigar which
he held firmly between his strong even teeth was tilted in the same
direction, imparting a rakish touch to Mr. Gilmore's otherwise sturdy
and aggressive presence.

"Howdy, Marsh!" said his new-comer easily.

From his seat before his desk Langham scowled across at him.

"What the devil brings you here, Andy?" he asked, ungraciously enough.

Gilmore buried his hands deep in his trousers pockets and with one eye
half closed surveyed the lawyer over the tip of his tilted cigar.