as the operative had not been able to learn much of what had gone on in Mrs. Davol's home, Lucas let his grandson relate what he already knew for the sake of hearing all the proceedings in order.
Bennet had brought the events up to the departure for the séance when the telephone bell rang and a manservant appeared who reported to Lucas:
"It is Mr. Dougherty, sir, speaking for Mr. John Smith; he says, sir, he feels sure that if you realize all circumstances, you will arrange Mr. Smith's release at once, sir—"
"You tell Mr. Dougherty and Mr. John Smith both to go to hell," Lucas commanded calmly. "Now when he calls again, don't bother me."
When the man disappeared, Lucas demanded of his grandson,
"Want to know who Mr. John Smith is?"
"Who?" said Bennet.
"Miss Platt's husband; Mr. Merrill Stacey Kincheloe. Do you want to know where he is? In the station cell, the lewd, little lizard. He was taken in a raid on a place up in 'Little Paris', I understand they call it; scared his wife will hear 'bout it, so he gave the highly original name of John Smith. Seems to have it on his mind it distresses me to know he's spending a night in jail. Seems to've convinced some shyster I just can't bear it. Go on, my boy, you were saying—"
So Bennet went on, lightly describing his adventure with the medium, relating all incidents in order except for the mention of the spirit who showed the letters "J.Q." Being aware that any reference to Quinlan was unpleasant to his grandfather, Bennet made the most of his satirical description of the other "acts"
