"No, we're not all right," said the boy, "that Miss Coates has
brought a friend with her. She says Hallowell told her she could
bring a friend. She says this young fellow is her friend. I
think he's a Pink!"

"What nonsense," exclaimed Gaylor in alarm. "No detective would
force his way into this house."

"She says," continued Mannie, disregarding Gaylor, and still
addressing Vance, "he's a seeker after the Truth. I'll bet,"
declared the boy violently, "he's a seeker after the truth!"

Garrett came hastily and noiselessly into the room. He nodded
toward Mannie.

"Has he told you?" he asked.

"Yes," Gaylor answered, "who is he?"

"The reporter who was here this morning," Garrett returned. "The
one who threatened -- "

"That'll do," commanded Gaylor. In the face of this new
complication he again became himself. Suavely and politely he
turned to Vance. "Will you and your friend join Miss Vera," he
asked, "and tell her that we begin in a few minutes?"

For the first time, aggressively and offensively Rainey broke
his silence.