"Of course, Jimmie boy," murmured Amy. "Now let me tell you all about it. They say I can't stay very long, so I'll have to talk fast, and you must listen—mostly. Now what do you say to—Colonel Ashley?" and Amy looked triumphantly at her lover.
"Colonel Ashley?"
"Yes. As the detective who is going to help prove you innocent by discovering the real—ugh! I hate to say it—murderer?"
"Why, Colonel Ashley is one of the greatest detectives in the United
States—at least, he used to be. He must be pretty old now."
"I know he is—but not too old to take hold. Now when he comes—"
"But, Amy, my dear! You can't get him! Why, he's not only one of the highest-priced detectives in the country, but he's retired I've read, and I doubt if he'd take a case—"
"He's going to take your case, Jimmie boy!" and Amy smiled.
"But how—how—"
"I think we'll have to give Miss Mason credit for a whole lot in this matter," broke in Kenneth. "She surprised me when she told me. And I want to say that when the colonel gets going we'll have you out of here in short order, Mr. Darcy!"
"But I don't understand—"