“It isn’t a sign-board, it’s a proof. When we think we have the right machine, the s will prove it,—not lead us to it.”
“Let me see,” begged Mrs. Vail, reaching for the paper. “A friend of mine is a stenographer; maybe she——”
“Excuse me,” and Penny Wise folded the letter most carefully. “We can’t get any more finger prints on this paper, or we shall render it useless. Now, Miss Raynor, I’m going. I’ll take the letter, and I’ve little doubt it will be a great help to me in my work. I will report to you from time to time, but it may be a few days before I learn anything of importance. Zizi?”
“Yes; I’ll stay here,” and the girl sat quietly in her chair.
“That means she’ll take up her abode with you for the present, Miss Raynor,” and Wise smiled at Olive.
“Live here?”
“Yes, please. It is necessary, or she wouldn’t do it.”
“Oh, let her stay!” cried Mrs. Vail; “she’s so interesting—and queer!”
The object of her comment gave her an engaging smile, but said nothing, and beckoning me to go with him, Wise rose to take leave.
But I wanted to have a little further talk with Olive on several matters and I told Wise I’d join him a little later.