“As for a child—well, I found her more than that. So did Waldo. As for your venerable years—a girl is apt to take a man’s age at his own reckoning. Short of a Methuselah, that is. Well, if you ever had a chance—I think you had—you’ve lost it. You’ll never get her now, Julius!”
“How much more damned nonsense are you going to talk to-night, you—you Monkey?”
“Yes, yes, I’m still Monkey Valdez, aren’t I? The Monkey that stole the fruit! But I got it, and I shall keep it. After what she’s done for me, could I ever distrust her?” His voice sounded as it had when he spoke of Number 21.
“I certainly think that you’ve tried her pretty high already,” I remarked dryly.
“And you’re very angry with me about it?”
“What would be the good? Only I wish the devil you’d pull yourself together now.”
“Remember Number 21!” And now his voice sounded as it had when he spoke of Lucinda!
“Where is she now, Arsenio? Still at Ste. Maxime?”
“I couldn’t possibly tell you where she is without her permission.”