If you will not accept
her word, there is no use of my saying anything about the matter.
Besides, West, frankly I don't give a damn what you think. We've got you
safe enough, where you can't do anything, even if you want to--so, why
worry? Twenty-four hours more will finish our little job, and, until that
time is up, you'll remain right here; after that we don't care where in
hell you go, or what you do--the game will have been played."
The man's tone, and air of confidence was impressive; beyond doubt
he felt that the cards were all in his hands. West drew in his
breath sharply.
"Apparently you are right," he said quietly. "May I ask a question or
two?"
"Fire away; I'll answer as I please."
"Who is the woman on board?"
"Mary, you mean? Hobart's wife."
"She came from the place on Wray Street last night in an auto?"
"Yes; I brought her along myself."
"Alone?"
"There were two of us, Mark and I--why? what are you driving at?"
"Just putting some broken threads together. Then Natalie Coolidge is not
on this yacht?"
"I should say not. What would we be doing with her out here?"
"Where is she then?"
"Oh, I begin to see what brought you aboard so easily, West. You thought
we had the lady kidnapped, and was sailing off with her. Some stunt that.
What put the idea in your head?"
West hesitated a moment, but decided a truthful answer would do no harm.
"I knew an automobile had driven out of the alley back of Mike's Place;
and that a woman was in it.
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