"Mrs. Dunlap," he burst forth, exasperated, "what is the use of
beating about? Do you know the real character of this Santos!"

"It is a matter of perfect indifference," she returned.

"Then you do not think a warning from me worth troubling about?"
demanded the detective.

Constance continued to stand as if to terminate the interview.

"I came here," continued the detective showing no evidence of taking
the hint, "to make a proposition to you. Mrs. Dunlap, you are in bad
again. But this time there is a chance for you to get out without
risk. I--I think I may talk plainly? We understand each other!"

His manner had changed. Constance could not have described to
herself the loathing she felt for the man as it suddenly flashed
over her what he was after. If she had resented his familiarity
before, it brought the stinging blood to her cheeks now to realize
that he was actually seeking to persuade her to betray her friends.

"Do you want to know what I think?" she scorned, then without
waiting added, "I think you are a crook--a blackmailer,--that's what
I think of a private detective like you."

The defiance of the little woman amazed even Drummond. Instead of
fear as of the pursued, Constance Dunlap showed all the boldness of
the pursuer.