CHAPTER IX.
IN WHICH JOHNNY MEETS A DEFENDER OF THE OLD ARISTOCRACY Johnny, whose sources of information were many and varied, called on a certain Miss Purry the very next morning, taking along Val Russel to introduce him.
"Any friend of Mr.Russel's is welcome, I am sure," declared Miss Purry, passing a clammy wedge of a hand to Johnny, who felt the chill in his palm creeping down his spine.

"Of the Maryland Gambles ?" "No, White Roads," replied Johnny cheerfully.

Miss Purry's chiseled smile remained, but it was not the same.

"I came to see you about that vacant building site, just beyond the adjoining property." Miss Purry shook her head, "I'm afraid I could not even consider selling it without a very specific knowledge of its future." And her pale green eyes took on a slightly deeper hue.
Val Russel stifled a sly grin.
"This was once a very aristocratic neighborhood," he informed Johnny with well-assumed sorrow.

"Miss Purry is the last of the fine old families to keep alive the traditions of the district.