John Quincy laughed.
"That's the most tragic part of it," the girl continued. "He's the joke of the beach. But he goes on hunting, so serious. Of course, it is serious for him."
They passed through the public room to the front door. Mr. Saladine's tragedy slipped at once from John Quincy's mind.
"Good night," he said. "Don't forget about the check, when you see your father to-morrow. I'll look in on you during the day."
"It was so good of you to come," she said. Her hand was in his. "It has helped me along—tremendously."
"Don't you worry. Happy days are not far off. Happy days without an if. Hold the thought!"
"I'll hold it," she promised.
"We'll both hold it." It came to him that he was also holding her hand. He dropped it hastily. "Good night," he repeated, and fled through the garden.
In the living-room of Dan's house he was surprised to find Miss Minerva and Charlie Chan sitting together, solemnly staring at each other. Chan rose hurriedly at his entrance.
"Hello," said John Quincy. "I see you have a caller."