to talk to Jane," Daisy announced when she returned to the kitchen. The table was instantly filled with interested, questioning faces, Jane hesitated, uncertainly.
"We'll both talk to him," said Speedy. Jane and he arose.
Carter was waiting nonchalantly, hands in pocket, in the narrow Ryan hall. A flicker of annoyance passed over his smooth face as he noticed that Speedy was with Jane. But he greeted them both with a cheerful "Good morning."
"I didn't think you'd have the nerve to show up around here again, after yesterday," Speedy began belligerently.
"I don't know what you mean," said Carter in feigned surprise.
"Oh, yes, you do. You hired the Callahans and their mugs to put me and the car out of business yesterday. But it didn't work. I saw you in a taxicab watching the fight—from a safe distance."
Carter was confused for an instant by this direct accusation. Then, knowing that Speedy could not positively prove anything, he recovered.
"I understand you had a little trouble yesterday, Swift," he went on smoothly. "It's evidently affected your head."
"My head's all right," Speedy retorted grimly. "But some of your little playmates, the Callahans, probably have headaches this morning."
Carter ignored Speedy and turned to Jane.
"I really came here to see you, Miss Dillon," he said pleasantly. "I heard you were stopping here
