THE SERPENT’S TOOTH
We were approaching the hotel when we met Riley’s operative with whom we had been talking shortly before. He was looking about as though in doubt what to do next.
“So you managed to pick them up again on the beach?” greeted Kennedy.
“Yes,” he replied in surprise. “How did you know?”
“We were back of the bath-houses as they came along. You passed within a few feet of us.”
The detective stared blankly as Kennedy laughed.
“What happened?”
“Nothing very much. I missed them at first, because of the delay of that fellow Mito. But I reasoned that they must have strolled down the beach, though I didn’t know how far. I took a chance and made a short cut overland. Fortunately I caught up with them just as they were about to turn back. I was a little careful, I suppose—after what happened.”
He hesitated a bit apologetically, then went on: “I couldn’t hear much of what they said. Queer fellow, that Shelby. First he sends to meet the girl, then they quarrel nearly all the time they are together.”
“What did the quarrel seem to be about?” demanded Kennedy. “Couldn’t you get any of it?”