“Very pleased, but I must tell you candidly that your uncle is still dead set against ballooning; however, he thinks that you should not break faith here with the palace people, although he did ask me to try and persuade you not to continue your ascents after to-day, as a Mr Falcon is making a mess of his mission to you.”
“I was not aware that anyone had been here in the character of a missionary. The only persons I have noticed are two downright scoundrels who have been hanging about and haunting me, if I may use the expression, and not only me, but also Miss Chain and her mother, two ladies who are assisting me in my work, and who are really above this kind of thing. You noticed Miss Chain, probably?”
“Do you mean that demure and lady-like girl I saw at needlework, sitting near that smart-looking man?”
“Yes, I do, Link; but I must give him the cold shoulder, as he is becoming a nuisance, and is a detective, I hear. The Chains are most industrious, but were robbed of all they possessed by an unprincipled financier.”
“What a shame! If this young lady is a sample of your employees, I am agreeably surprised, Harry, for they were described to your uncle as being very different kind of people to this specimen I happen to have seen. Couldn’t something be done for such a lady-like girl?”
“I have been thinking on that point myself; the poor girl has been terribly bothered by an inquisitive fellow, who has made himself most obnoxious. By the way, he is a fine, aristocratic-looking man, not unlike you in build, Link, but he has such an evil expression of face, whilst you have a good one—but I must not flatter you.”
“No, pray don’t descend to that, Goodall.”
“Situated, however, as I am, Link, I cannot very well raise a complaint here to the manager, but I am all ready for the fellow if he should show up again, and we fortunately have an obliging but humble-minded policeman on the lookout. I don’t mean that fussy, amateurish detective, but a quiet, practical man, who has already made an example of one fellow. His name is Warner, and look here, Link, if you can find an opportunity of having a word or two with the Chains, I should appreciate the attention, as they have been so much traduced to my Uncle Goodall.”
“All right, Harry, and I have made up my mind to stay and see who goes up, as I should like to be able to speak as I find of your associates.”
“As to those going up—Miss Chain will accompany me for one, and my assistant, Trigger. I promised the young lady a trip for her indefatigable work and general assistance.”