"It's just forty years this summer, sir, since I was on the islands. They tell me there's been great changes." And, without further ado, he commenced to question Colin closely concerning the place, the boy having equal interest in learning what the rookeries were like when the first investigation was made. It was not until lunch-time that he could tear himself away.
Promptly, at the hour appointed, Colin presented himself at the Deputy Commissioner's office and was met by Dr. Crafts' secretary. His pulse was beating like a trip-hammer, and he probably looked nervous, for the secretary glanced once or twice in his direction. Then, wishing to give news that would be welcome, she said formally, of course, but betraying a sincere kindliness:
"I think Mr. Collier is with Dr. Crafts now."
On the instant Colin detected that the secretary knew something about the matter and wanted to reassure him, so he smiled back, saying:
"Thank you. I hope it will be all right, then."
The two men were chatting earnestly, and the wait seemed long to Colin, but after a while the Deputy Commissioner called him in.
"This is the boy, Robert," he said. "Colin," he continued, "let me present you to Mr. Collier."
"So you're coming along with me to Bermuda and Florida, I hear," the museum curator said, shaking hands.
Colin looked up at the tall, gaunt figure and caught a twinkle of good-humor in the deeply-sunk gray eyes.