"Now don't get sore," said the latter; "I'm not going to make
trouble, only I want to know where you've been."

A bare-headed man came running across the lawn and flung himself
into the waiting automobile. One of Jim's companions called his
name sharply.

"Will you take me home?" his sister implored.

"Can't do it. I'll see you later, and you, too, Merkle." His last
words, delivered as he swung himself upon the running-board of the
car, sounded like a threat; a moment later, and the machine had
disappeared into the night.

"Hm-m! Your brother has a suspicious mind," Merkle said. "I hope
he won't make you any trouble."

"He can't make trouble for ME." Lorelei's emphasis on the last
word made her meaning clear; her companion shrugged:

"Then there's no harm done, I assure you."

They turned in upon the driveway, walking silently, then as they
neared the Chateau they became aware of an unusual commotion in
progress there. Men were running from stable to garage, others
were scouring the grounds; from the open door came a voice pitched
high in anger. The speaker was evidently beside himself with
wrath. He was shouting orders to scurrying attendants, and abusing
the manager, who hovered near him in a frantic but futile effort
at pacification.