Part 8 (1/2)
Helen sighed.
”But he soon will be. I wish he were here instead of downstairs.”
Ray protested.
”Please be nautically correct. Remember we are on a s.h.i.+p. You don't say 'downstairs'; you say 'below.'”
Mr. Steell turned round with a smile.
”I had no idea you were so well posted in sailor's parlance.”
The young girl laughed.
”Oh, you don't know half my accomplishments. I'm cleverer than you give me credit for.”
The young man leaned half over the chair as he whispered:
”I wouldn't dare tell you how clever I think you.”
”Why?”
”Because--of my own peace of mind.”
Helen broke in on the conversation. Addressing the lawyer, she said:
”Now Kenneth is away, we shall expect you to come to the house very often.”
The lawyer bowed.
”It's always a pleasure to call.”
”Be sure to come next Sunday evening. I expect some friends. We'll have some music.”
”May I bring someone?”
”Certainly. Any friend of yours is welcome.”
”Who is it?” asked Ray impertinently. ”Male or female?”
”I believe it's a male,” smiled the lawyer. ”It looks like a male and talks like one.” More seriously he went on: ”His name is d.i.c.k Reynolds. He has just pa.s.sed his bar examination and is practicing temporarily in my office. His people live out West and being alone here, he is glad enough to have somewhere to go.”
”Bring him by all means,” exclaimed Ray. ”Has he any accomplishments--apart from being a male?”
”Yes--he plays the piano indifferently, and tennis admirably. He swims like a fish, and can run like a hare. But his best accomplishment is a gift that one seldom sees developed----”
”What is that?” exclaimed both his listeners at once.
”He is a born detective--a regular Sherlock Holmes in real life. I have tested him several times with extraordinary results. I have given him the most difficult cases to unravel. He has found the solution in every one.”
Ray clapped her hands.