"Retained already by Embry?" demanded Steele shortly. Banks lifted his gaunt shoulders.
"It was Corliss money that put me in my job, Billy," he returned equably. "It will be Embry influence that keeps me in it. I'm no lawyer, but it's open and shut that I've got to gather you in if you start anything that looks like disturbing the peace. Get me?"
"I have a little business in San Francisco," returned Steele thoughtfully. "If I mix things with you, Jim, it'll mean getting held up here a day or so, won't it?"
"It would mean ninety days in jug," grunted Banks. "She'd have you railroaded, Billy. Oh, she can do it all right."
Steele frowned, then his face cleared as he cried warmly:
"She's a corker, Jim! By the Lord, she's a wonder!"
"She sure is, Billy. And it's lucky you take it that way. Now you just stick around here and pretty pronto I'll slip you a handout."
But Steele shook his head.
"It's only a couple of hours to wait, Jim. I'll eat on the train."
And when at last the train pulled in and there had come no reply to his message to Beatrice, he left with the station agent a second telegram for Miss Corliss:
"Congratulations on winning in an initial skirmish. May there be many more. Don't waste all your ammunition prematurely. Shall drink your health and final defeat in the best the dining car carries. Joyously,
"Bill."
