CHAPTER IX

"DOG, WHO IS YOUR MASTER?"


Seeing Jack and the young Russian woman so interested in their talk, the
others had gradually strolled away from them.

Hennessy had already succeeded in securing an invitation to return to
Spruce Beach in Mr. Farnum's hired auto.

Hal Hastings presently turned, as though to step over to Mlle. Nadiboff's
car, but he caught a swift look from Jack, and turned back. Hal had not
yet heard of the grave suspicion against the young woman, and could not
guess what this move of his chum's meant. Hastings, however, was swift
to take the hint.

"You have not overstated your friend's intelligence," murmured the young
Russian gleefully. "At a short look from you he retreats."

"Oh, Hal and I always understand each other," smiled Jack.

"That is very interesting. And yet I do not like Mr. Hastings as I
like you," replied the young woman.

She looked at him with a friendly, little flash in her eyes. Had Jack
been a few years older, and not warned, he might have been snared by
this experienced flirt. As it was, he did not take the trouble to