Millicent looked thoughtful.
“I should like to see it. I’ve an idea that if this book is well received I might, perhaps, try something a little more ambitious—the larger beasts and wilder birds of other countries. In that case, I should choose British Columbia.”
“Then you will let me be your guide?”
She made a conditional promise, and shortly afterward he left her. Meeting Nasmyth he walked with him toward Gladwyne’s house, where they found the guests assembled on the lawn and Mrs. Gladwyne sitting by a tea-table. One or two young women were standing near and several men had gathered about a mat laid upon the grass fifty yards from where a small target had been set up. Lisle joined Bella Crestwick, who detached herself from the others.
“What is this?” he asked. “It’s a very short range.”
“Miniature rifle shooting,” she informed him. “It’s becoming popular. Gladwyne has been trying to form a club. My brother Jim is president of some league. He’s rather keen and there are reasons why I’m glad of it.”
She added the last words confidentially and Lisle ventured to nod. It struck him that a healthy interest in any organized work or amusement would be beneficial to young Crestwick. The girl looked at him, as if considering something; and then she seemed to make up her mind.
“There’s one thing I don’t like,” she complained. “They will shoot for high stakes. Jim isn’t a bad shot, but he’s too eager. I’m afraid he’s inclined to be venturesome just now.”
Lisle thought that she had a request to make. There was something about him that inspired confidence, and the girl had made a friend of him.
“What do you want me to do?” he asked.