"Tumbucktook would suit him," snapped Debby, suddenly; "he's trying to get into some rabbit-hole. Why, I don't know."
"I do," said Paul, lying back thoughtfully. He guessed that Aaron was moving because of the brooch, though why he should do so was a mystery. "Sylvia," he asked, "did your father see my accident?"
"No, Paul. He was busy in the shop. Bart saw it, but Debby said he wasn't to tell father."
"Because of the fainting," explained Debby; "the man ain't strong, though Sampson he may think himself—ah, and Goliath, too, for all I care. But why ask, Mr. Beecot?"
Paul did not reply to her, but asked Sylvia another question. "Do you remember that opal brooch I showed you?"
"The serpent. Yes?"
"Well, it's lost."
"Lost, Paul?"
The young man nodded mournfully. "I'm very vexed about it," he said in a low tone; "my mother wanted it back. I was going to send it that very day, but when I met with the accident it got lost somehow. It wasn't in my pocket when my clothes were examined, though I asked for it as soon as I became conscious. My friend also couldn't tell me."
"Him as caused the smashes," said Deborah, with several sniffs. "A nice pretty friend, I do say, sir."