The
psychological
ruse had won. Selfish cowardice, which temporarily threatened to
ruin his campaign, now gave way to the instinct of a fighting
defense.
"There, Van Cleft, it is ghastly. You have the significance now:
we must scotch the snake. That girl is over at the Holland
Agency, and we should see her at once, to learn what she knows.
Cronin has arranged for my coming with you, so introduce me under
my real name.
"Wait here fifteen minutes after I leave, so that I may get the
phonograph in readiness, for you will undoubtedly be shadowed,
and that may mean another telephone call. You were not a coward
in college--I do not believe you are one now!"
Van Cleft straightened up proudly.
"No, I will fight them with all I have. But why these phonograph
records: isn't one enough?"
"No, I want autographs of all the voices. I will go now. Don't
hurry in following me. Do not fear to let any shadowers see you
--it will help us along."
Before many minutes he had been admitted to the corridor of the
Holland Agency by a sharp-nosed individual who regarded him with
suspicion.
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