I now recalled what Moore had once told me of Oakes's all-round attainments.
Dr. Moore broke the silence.
"You are a lalapazooza, Oakes."
Oakes did not notice the remark, but said: "I don't know what other men do, but I have tried to bear in mind such things."
"Yes," said Hallen, "and consequently there is only one Quintus Oakes."
"It seems to me," continued Hallen, "that your work here at the Mansion will soon lead to results, and I trust that you will find time to consider the murder also."
"Gentlemen," said Oakes very seriously, "from what I saw after the Mark murder in town and from what you report, I feel that Mona is in a very serious plight. I shall make time, Hallen, to do what little I can."
And thus Quintus Oakes became the leader in the unravelling of the Mark murder mystery.
After a few remarks of no particular consequence and a more or less general conversation, he resumed: