Part 64 (2/2)

Mrs. Warren nodded. ”He asked me where Mr. Backus, the Methodist minister, lived,” she said. ”He was real particular to find out how to get there, so I guess that's where he was bound.”

The Methodist minister! Why on earth Egbert Phillips should go to the home of a minister was another mystery beyond Sears Kendrick's power of surmise. However, he too inquired the way to the Backus domicile and once more took up the chase.

The Methodist parsonage was a neat little white house, green-shuttered, and with a white picket fence inclosing its little front yard. It being the home of a clergyman, Sears ventured to knock at the front door; otherwise he would, of course, have gone around to the side entrance.

A white-haired little woman answered the knock. No, Mr. Backus was out, but he was expected back very soon. He had an appointment at two, so she was sure he would be in by that time. Would the captain come in and wait? There was another gentleman now in the parlor waiting. Yes, a tall gentleman with a mustache.

At last! Another minute, and Captain Kendrick, entering the Backus parlor, came face to face with the elusive object of his search, Mr.

Egbert Phillips.

Egbert was sitting in a rocking chair by the marble-topped center table.

A plush-covered photograph alb.u.m was on that table and he was languidly turning its pages and inspecting, with a smile of tolerant amus.e.m.e.nt, the likenesses of the Backus friends and relatives. As the door opened he turned, his smile changing to one of greeting.

”Ah, Mr. Backus----” he began. And then he stopped. It was the captain who smiled now. His smile was as genial as a summer morn.

”Good afternoon, Mr. Phillips,” he said. ”How are you, sir?”

He stepped forward with extended hand. Still Egbert stood and stared.

The photograph alb.u.m, imperfectly balanced on the edge of the table, slipped to the floor.

The clergyman's wife seemed a trifle puzzled and perturbed by the Phillips expression and att.i.tude.

”This gentleman said----” she began. ”He said you and he----”

Kendrick helped her to finish: ”I told the lady,” he put in cheerfully, ”that I had come 'way over from Bayport to see you about a little matter. I said we knew each other pretty well and I was sure you'd be glad to see me, even if I was kind of unexpected.... Excuse me, but you've dropped your picture book.”

He stooped, picked up the alb.u.m and replaced it on the table. This action occupied but a moment of time, nevertheless in that moment a portion at least of Egbert's poise returned. His smile might have been a bit uncertain, but it was a smile. And when Sears again extended his hand his own came to meet it.

”Of course, of course,” he said. ”Yes--ah--yes, indeed. How do you do, Kendrick?”

The captain beamed. ”Oh, I'm feelin' tip-top,” he declared. ”The sight of you is enough to make me well, even if I was sick--which I'm not. Now if you and I might have a little talk?”

Mrs. Backus was anxious to oblige.

”You make yourselves right at home in here,” she said. ”If my husband comes I'll tell him to wait until you're through. Take all the time you want.”

She was at the threshold, but Phillips detained her.

”Pardon me,” he said, hastily, ”but we mustn't abuse your hospitality to that extent. This--ah--gentleman and I can talk just as well out of doors. Really, I----”

”Oh, no! You must stay right here. Please do. It isn't the least trouble.”

She went and the door closed behind her. Egbert glanced at the clock on the mantel and frowned. Captain Kendrick continued to smile.

”And here we are at last,” he observed. ”Quiet and sociable as you please. Sit down, Mr. Phillips, sit down.”

But Egbert did not sit. He glanced at the clock once more and then at his watch.

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