"Well, Maria, you are sending him to his death—and as for you, Mr. Ghost Breaker, I wish you success, when you beard the specter in his den!"
With mock dignity at first, Jarvis's voice grew more menacing as he completed the words of retort:
"Thanks, your Gracious Excellency!... I'll do my best to tie a can to the specter's tail—and the can will be loaded with fireworks!"
As he left, Warren turned with a cheery grin, to face Maria.
"We must start at once, Mr. Warren," she urged, "for any moment may be my brother's last."
"Courage! If your brother is there, I'll find him. You must be patient and remain here, where you are safe,—try to rest up from that blood-curdling trip from Paris."
"But, Mr. Warren, I cannot rest or even sit still until I know what has become of him. I shall go mad if I am left alone!"
The womanly tears began to stream down her face. They melted a hitherto calm portion of Warren Jarvis' heart.
"Now, my dear child," and he paused timidly, as though to learn whether or not the familiarity had offended her. Instead, she looked up through the long wet lashes with anything but an angry glance. "My dear child, I must insist on one condition."
"What's that?"