This reply drew Helen’s attention immediately to Barnes and taking a step forward she said eagerly:
“Oh, I hope he’s here. You see, it’s awfully important––what I want to see him about.”
Whitney Barnes nodded with extraordinary animation and turning to Gladwin impaled that young man with the query:
“Why don’t you find out if he’s in?”
While Gladwin had come up for air he was still partially drowned. Turning to Helen Burton, he forced an agreeable smile and said hurriedly:
“Yes, if you’ll excuse me a moment I’ll see, but may I give him your name?”
It was Helen’s turn to recoil and stepping to where Sadie had at last got upon her feet, she whispered:
“Shall I tell him? They both act so strangely.”
“Oh, no, Helen, dear,” fluttered Sadie. “It may be some awful trap or something.”