They examined him closely concerning his solitary visit to Green
Fancy, and he described to the best of his ability all but one of the
inmates. He neglected to mention Miss Cameron. Realising that he would
be storing up trouble for himself if he failed to mention his trip to
the house that morning,--they were sure to hear of it in time,--he set
his mind to the task of constructing a satisfactory explanation. He
concluded to sacrifice Peter Ames, temporarily at least. Taking Peter
aside, he explained the situation to him, impressing upon him the
importance of leaving Miss Cameron and her luggage out of the
interview, and to say nothing about the return of "Mr. Perkins."
Fortified by Barnes's promise to protect him if he followed these
instructions, Peter consented to tell all that he knew about the
people at Green Fancy. Whereupon his new employer informed the secret
service men that he had gone up to Green Fancy that morning in
response to an appeal from Peter Ames, who had applied to him for a
position a day or two before. On his arrival there he confirmed the
bewildered chauffeur's story that the whole crowd had stolen away
during the night. He guaranteed to produce Peter at any time he was
needed, and was perfectly willing to discommode himself to the extent
of leaving the man behind if they insisted on holding him.
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