The young man appeared a trifle disconcerted.

"I don't see what business you can have here till we've talked things
out and laid our plans," he declared. "I am secretary of the committee
appointed to meet and confer with you. Peter Dale is chairman, of
course. There are five of us. We expected you 'round to-night. You
got our telegram at Liverpool?"

"Certainly," Maraton admitted. "It did not, however, suit my plans to
accept your invitation. I had a message from Mr. Foley, begging me to
see him to-night. I have been to his house."

The young man distinctly scowled.

"So Foley's been getting at you, has he?"

Maraton's face was inscrutable but there was, for a moment, a dangerous
flash in his eyes.

"I had some conversation with him this evening.

"What did he want?" Graveling asked bluntly.

Maraton raised his eyebrows. He turned to the girl.

"Do you know Mr. Graveling?"

The young man scowled. Julia smiled but there was a shadow of trouble
in her face.