“Company may prove of value just now,” Lemon said. “Will you see who is there?”
It was clear to Ned that Lemon expected some of the associates he had mentioned as “the boys” when giving instructions about the luncheon, and there was a smile of welcome on his face when a bustle in the hall told of an arrival.
There was only one man, however, and Lemon at first seemed disappointed, but in a moment he had his face under perfect control again.
“Father!” he cried, springing to his feet. “It is good to see you here!”
The newcomer, a man of perhaps sixty, well dressed and with the air of a man to whom marked attention was due, stood looking into Lemon’s face for an instant and then grasped his hand.
“You have changed little, my son,” he said.
Lemon smiled and indicated Ned with a slight motion of the hand.
“Permit me to present to you my father, Mr. Leon Lemon,” he said, “and this, father, is a boy burglar who broke into my rooms in quest of plunder a short time ago,” he added. “We were having quite a cheerful talk when you came. I don’t know his name, unfortunately.”
The old gentleman gave a start and attempted to rise from his chair.
“Don’t distress yourself,” Lemon said. “He is quite harmless. Besides, Jap has him covered with the cannon he delights to carry.”