"I know it. We touched on it now and then, but he usually veered off to something else at once."
"What do you think about the pouch, Shelby? I'm not sure I ever asked you."
"I don't think, Mr. Crane. I mean I can't explain the thing by natural means, and I'm unable to believe in the supernatural. What more can I say?"
"Nothing. I suppose most people are like that. Thank heaven. I'm made so that I can believe!"
CHAPTER VIII
Blair Knows
Gilbert Blair was a lovable sort of chap, one of those fine, gentle natures that will put up with annoyance rather than annoy another. Although he would have preferred to live alone, yet it was greatly to his pecuniary advantage to have Thorpe share his place, and, on the whole, they got on fairly well. But, being of different habits and temperaments, the details of their home life were not always harmonious.
Blair was methodical, liked his drawing implements and sketches kept in order, and the rooms tidy. Thorpe was not particular in these respects, and his belongings were always scattered about not only on his own tables or desk, but on Blair's. Moreover, he did not hesitate to use his chum's materials if his own were not immediately available.
So it happened that when Shelby stopped in on his way home from the Cranes' he found a mild war of words in progress.