Kitty found herself retreating from a fury which far outmatched her own; and as he gained in force, hers dwindled correspondingly.

Thomas continued.  “He was well-read, traveled; he interested me.  When the title came, he was first to congratulate me.  Gave me my first real dinner.  Naturally I was grateful for this attention.  Well, the upshot of it was, we gambled; and I lost.  There was wine.  I suggested in the spirit of madness that I play the use of my title for six months against the money I had lost.  He agreed.  And here I am.”

His fury evaporated.  He sank back into his chair and rested his head in his hands.

“I ain’t a detective,” murmured Haggerty, breaking in on the silence which ensued.  “I’m only fit t’ chase dagos selling bananas without licenses.  But I’m aching t’ see this other chap.  I kinda see through his game.  He’s going t’ interest me a hull lot.”

Crawford consulted his watch again.  Nine.  “Haggerty, suppose you and I knock the billiard balls around for half an hour?”

“Huh?”

“Half an hour.”

“I got t’ see that chap, Mr. Crawford.”

“It’s a matter of four or five thousand.  Do you want to risk it?”

“Come on, Haggerty!” cried Forbes, with good understanding.  He caught the detective by the arm and pulled him toward the door.  But Haggerty hung back sturdily.

“Is this straight, Mr. Crawford?”

“Half an hour; otherwise not a penny.”

“All well an’ good; but I’ll hold you responsible if anything goes wrong.  I’m not seeing things clear.”

“You will presently.”

“Four thousand for half an hour?”

“To a penny.”

“You’re on!”

The three of them marched off to the billiard-room.  Killigrew touched Kitty’s arm and motioned her to follow.  She was rather glad to go.  She was on the verge of most undignified tears.  When she had gone in search of Mrs. Crawford, Killigrew walked over to Thomas and laid a hand on the young man’s shoulder.

“Thomas, will you go to Brazil the first week in September?”

“God knows, I’ll be glad to,” said Thomas, lifting his head.  His young face was colorless and haggard.  “But you are putting your trust in a double-dyed ass.”

“I’ll take a chance at that.  Now, Thomas, as no doubt you’re aware, we are all Irish in this family.  Hot-tempered, quick to take affront, but also quick to forgive or admit a wrong.  You leave Kitty alone till to-morrow.”

“I believe it best for me to leave to-night, sir.”

“Nothing of the sort.  Come out into the cooler, and we’ll have a peg.  It won’t hurt either of us, after all this racket.”

* * * * * *

Half after nine.  Crawford laid down his cue.  From his pocket he took a bottle and gravely handed it to Haggerty.

“Smell of the cork, carefully,” Crawford advised.