“Probably they decided to send someone out with him to lend him a hand,” said Trenwith. “People around these parts are pretty nice to you if you have a breakdown, and I guess it’s partly because they never know when they’re going to have one themselves.”
“Well, that ought to make it easier to make the repairs that are needed,” said Eleanor, somewhat relieved. “I really am getting worried about what they’ll think at the beach. I’m afraid they’ll be sure that something has happened to us.”
“Good evening, Miss Mercer,” said a mocking voice behind her, and she turned with a start to see Holmes!
“You’re late,” said Holmes, reproachfully. “I expected you an hour earlier. But then better late than, never! Ah, I see both of them are with you! Silas Weeks will be very glad to see you two, I have no doubt!”
He spoke then to Bessie and Zara, who, terrified by his sodden appearance, were staring at him.
“Mr. Trenwith!” said Eleanor, sharply. “You know who this man is, do you not? And what our feelings are concerning him? Are you going to let him stay here?”
“He has no choice, Miss Mercer. Better not ask him too many questions about how you happened to break down right off my island; he would have a hard time convincing you with any story he told. Eh, Trenwith?”
“Shut up!” growled Trenwith. “What does all this nonsense mean? Get off my boat!”
“Oh, are you trying to make them believe you didn’t know about this? I beg your pardon, Trenwith, I really do! Of course, Miss Mercer, he knows as well as I do that I am within my rights. You are now in a state where certain court orders applying to Bessie King and her little friend Zara ate valid–and, knowing that these two girls, who have run away from the courts of this state, are here, I have taken steps to see that they are taken into court. I am a law abiding citizen–I do not like to see the law insulted.”
Eleanor was dazed by the suddenness of the blow. To her it seemed an accident; she could not believe that Trenwith could be guilty of such treachery as Holmes was charging. But in a moment her faith in him was shattered.