“Yes, I have promised my daughter.”
“I see,” said Jones, and changed the subject. “I wonder if I could get a look at Gabriel?”
“Why, certainly. I’ll have some one call Jimmy, and he will show you the horse.”
“Thanks,” said Jones, and sat back to wait.
In response to the message delivered to an old negro, Jimmy came to the house. He started a little at sight of Jones, but recovered quickly. Wolfe followed him.
“Jimmy,” said Mr. Willing, “Mr. Jones would like to have a look at the winner of the coming Derby. Take him to Gabriel.”
“Yes, sir,” said Jimmy.
He walked away, Jones following him. Wolfe would have accompanied him, but Mr. Willing hailed him.
“Young man,” he said, “I wish you would walk up to the pike and see if there is any mail in the box. I am expecting an important letter.”
Wolfe was at a loss what to do. To leave Jimmy and Jones alone might work mischief, but Mr. Willing was not a man who could be put off.