fellow following my car last night. He was on a bicycle and followed
me home. I communicated my suspicions to Ogilvy, and this morning he
spent two hours trying to shake the same man off his trail--and
couldn't. So I judge your uncle will learn to-day that you dined with
Ogilvy, Moira, and me last night."

"Oh, dear! That's terrible." He could sense her distress.

"Ashamed of having been seen in my company, eh?"

"Please don't. Are you quite serious in this matter?"

"Quite."

"Uncle Seth will think it so--so strange."

"He'll probably tell you about it. Better beat him to the issue by
'fessing up, Shirley. Doubtless his suspicions are already aroused,
and if you inform him that you know I am the real builder of the N.
C. O., he'll think you're a smart woman and that you've been doing a
little private gum-shoe work of your own on behalf of the Laguna
Grande Lumber Company."

"Which is exactly what I have been doing," she reminded him.

"I know. But then, I'm not afraid of you, Shirley--that is, any more.
And after Friday morning I'll not be afraid of your uncle. Do tell
him at breakfast. Then watch to see if it affects his appetite."

"Oh, dear! I feel as if I were a conspirator."