"
"And if she hasn't done any of these things," retorted Banneker, drawing
upon some of Camilla Van Arsdale's wisdom, brought to bear on the case,
"she's libel, isn't she?"
"Hardly libel. But she isn't safe news until she's identified. You see,
I'm playing an open game with you. I'm here to identify her, with half a
dozen newspaper photos. Want to see 'em?"
"No, thank you."
"Not interested? Are you going to take me over to Miss Van Arsdale's?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Why should I? It's no part of my business as an employee of the road."
"As to that, I've got a letter from the Division Superintendent asking
you to further my inquiry in any possible way. Here it is."
Banneker took and read the letter. While not explicit, it was
sufficiently direct.
"That's official, isn't it?" said Gardner mildly.
"Yes."
"Well?"
"And this is official," added Banneker calmly. "The company can go to
hell. Tell that to the D.S. with my compliments, will you?"
"Certainly not. I don't want to get you into trouble. I like you. But
I've got to land this story. If you won't take me to the place, I'll
find some one in the village that will. You can't prevent my going
there, you know."
"Can't I?" Banneker's voice had grown low and cold.
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