"She is. And Steve is my nephew. 'Tain't possible you're acquainted with
them?"

Pearson rose to his feet. "Is--They used to live on the Avenue," he
said. "But you said you were visiting. Captain Warren, is this your
niece's apartment?"

"Yes, hers and Steve's. Why, what's the matter? Ain't goin', are you?"

"I think perhaps I had better. It is getting late."

"Late! It's only the shank of the evenin'. Jim, I ain't so blind that I
can't see through an open window. It ain't the lateness that makes you
want to leave so sudden. Is there some trouble between you and Caroline?
Course, it's none of my business, and you needn't tell me unless you
want to."

The answer was prompt enough.

"No," replied Pearson. "No. I assure you there is nothing of that kind.
I--I met Miss Warren. In fact, at one time we were well acquainted. I
have the very highest opinion of her. But I think it is best to--"

"Just a minute now. No trouble with Steve? He's a boy and at an age when
he's pretty well satisfied with himself and you have to make allowance."

"No. Steve and I were quite friendly. I'm sorry to cut my visit short,
but it is late and I MUST go."

He was moving toward the door. Captain Elisha looked at him intently.