Merkle interposed. "Will you tell me what has happened?"

"It is terrible, incredible, M'sieu," wailed the manager.

"Same old story, John. I came out here for a quiet supper with--a
lady. I've been coming here regularly. They got us into a private
room, then took a flash-light, and--there you are. I made a rush
for the waiter as soon as I realized what had occurred, but he'd
skipped. Everybody's skipped, photographer and all. Nobody knows
anything. Blamedest bunch of idiots I ever saw." He ground his
teeth.

Lorelei, who had remained in the background, turned suddenly sick
at memory of that mysterious party at the gate; she understood now
the significance of the man with the box and of the fleeing figure
that had come through the darkness.

The terrified manager continued his heartbroken lament, and Hammon
seemed about to destroy him when Merkle drew the latter aside,
speaking in an undertone.

Hammon listened briefly, then broke out:

"Nonsense. I'd stake my life on her. Why, she's prostrated. It's
either pure blackmail, or it's my wife's work. She's had
detectives on me for some time." Merkle murmured something more.
"Oh, come now! I know what I'm talking about, and I won't stand
for that," cried Hammon.