“Wouldn’t it be wiser just to show me these rooms, and let me watch from your place—­until I find my sister there?” queried Lane.

“I don’t know,” replied Pepper, thoughtfully.  “I think if I were you I’d butt in to-night with me.  You can drag young Dalrymple home before he gets drunk.”

“Pepper, I’ll break up this—­this club,” declared Lane.

“I’ll say you will.  And I’m for you strong.  If it was only the booze and cards I’d not have squealed.  That’s my living.  But by God, I can’t stand for the—­the other stuff any longer!...  Come on now.  And I’ll put you on to a slick stunt that’ll take your breath away.”

He led the way out of the hotel, in his excitement walking rather fast.

“Go slow, Pepper,” said Lane.  “We’re not going over the top.”

Pepper gave him a quick, comprehending look.

“Good Lord, Lane, you’re not as—­as bad as all that!”

Lane nodded.  Then at slower pace they went out and down the bright Main Street for two blocks, and then to the right on West Street, which was quite comparable to the other thoroughfare as a business district.  At the end of the street the buildings were the oldest in Middleville, and entirely familiar to Lane.

“Give White’s the once over,” said Pepper, indicating a brightly lighted store across the street.  “That place is new to you, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I don’t remember White, or that there was a confectionery den along here.”

“Den is right.  It’s some den, believe me....  White’s a newcomer—­a young sport, thick with Swann.  For all I know Swann is backing him.  Anyway he has a swell joint and a good trade.  People kick about his high prices.  Ice cream, candy, soda, soft drinks, and all that rot.  But if he knows who you are you can get a shot.  It’ll strike you funny later to see he waits on the customers himself.  But when you get wise it’ll not be so funny.  He’s got a tea parlor upstairs—­and they say it’s some swell place, with a rest room or ladies’ dressing room back.  Now from this back room the girls can get into the club-rooms of the boys, and go out on the other side of the block.  In one way and out the other—­at night.  Not necessary in the afternoon....  Come on now, well go round the block.”

A short walk round the block brought them into a shaded, wide street with one of Middleville’s parks on the left.  A row of luxuriant elm trees helped the effect of gloom.  The nearest electric light was across on the far corner, with trees obscuring it to some extent.  At the corner where Pepper halted there was an outside stairway running up the old-fashioned building.  The ground floor shops bore the signs of a florist and a milliner; above was a photograph gallery; and the two upper stories were apparently unoccupied.  To the left of the two stores another stairway led up into the center of the building.  Pepper led Lane up this stairway, a long, dark climb of three stories that taxed Lane’s endurance.