"If you ask me," he said bluntly, "I should say your business here is more urgent than your business in the bazaar."
Everard raised his brows interrogatively, and as if he had asked a question Tommy made sternly resolute response.
"I've got to have a talk with you. Shall I come into your room?"
Just for a second the elder man paused; then: "Are you sure that is the wisest thing you can do?" he said.
"It's what I'm going to do," said Tommy firmly.
"All right." Everard stooped again, picked up the inquiring Scooter, and dropped him into the box in which he had spent the evening.
Then without more words, he turned along the verandah and led the way to his own room.
Tommy came close behind. He was trembling a little but his agitation only seemed to make him more determined.
He paused a moment as he entered the room behind Everard to shut the window; then valiantly tackled the hardest task that had ever come his way.
"Look here!" he said. "You must see that this thing can't be left where it is."