During her absence Jim had returned and departed; but a note was
waiting for her. It had been brought by a messenger, and read:

"Things look bad. I'm afraid we'll be implicated, too. Better see
your brother quickly. M."




CHAPTER IX


Lorelei was not a little mystified by Merkle's cryptic message,
for she could imagine no possible way in which she or the writer
himself could be connected discreditably with Jarvis Hammon's
affair. She gained some light, however, when that evening she read
the note to Lilas.

"Why, they're going to blackmail Merkle, too," Lilas exclaimed.
"Well, they'd be foolish to let him off, wouldn't they? Two
millionaires out with two showgirls! Hilarious foursome at the
Chateau! Automobile wreck! Foxy Pinkertons and flash-light
photographs! Nice story."

"So they think he'll pay to keep his name out of the papers?"

"Exactly. And he will--for your sake."

"I won't let him."