Elaine seemed quite impressed with our new friend, Del Mar, as we made our way to the library, though I am not sure but that it was a pose on her part. At any rate he seemed quite eager to help us.
"What do you suppose has become of Mr. Kennedy?" asked Elaine.
Del Mar looked at her earnestly. "I should be glad to search for him," he returned quickly. "He was the greatest man in our profession. But first I must execute the commission of the Secret Service. We must find his torpedo model before it falls into foreign hands."
We talked for a few moments, then Del Mar with a glance at his watch excused himself. We accompanied him to the door, for he was indeed a charming man. I felt that, if in fact he were assigned to the case, I ought to know him better.
"If you're going down-town," I ventured, "I might accompany you part of the way."
"Delighted," agreed Del Mar.
Elaine gave him her hand and he took it in such a deferential way that one could not help liking him. Elaine was much impressed.
As Del Mar and I walked down the avenue, he kept up a running fire of conversation until at last we came near the La Coste.
"Charmed to have met you, Mr. Jameson," he said, pausing. "We shall see a great deal of each other I hope."
I had not yet had time to say good-bye myself when a slight exclamation at my side startled me. Turning suddenly, I saw a very brisk, fussy old gentleman who had evidently been hurrying through the crowd. He had slipped on something on the sidewalk and lost his balance, falling near us.