There was a little space of silence; once Scanlon thought the young man was about to refuse. But when he spoke, “Very well,” he said.
“As the country round about is a fine one, and you have not done it before, don’t be in a hurry to return,” spoke the special detective. “Take plenty of time. And say nothing to the ladies as to why I am here. We don’t want to startle them, you know.”
“I will say nothing,” said young Campe, and then he left the room.
The next half hour was spent by Ashton-Kirk in smoking and talking with Scanlon upon almost every other subject than the matter in hand. Then Campe returned, and with him were Miss Hohenlo and Miss Knowles.
The former was all on a flutter, but the younger woman, so Scanlon noticed, was eager-eyed and watchful.
“She knows that something’s doing,” observed Bat to himself. “And she’s wondering just what it is.”
“It’s so very kind of you, Mr. Ashton-Kirk, to come again so soon,” said Miss Hohenlo, girlishly. “It will do Frederic such a great deal of good to get his mind into some fresh matters. He’s been so very downcast of late; and I’m quite sure that interesting himself in Count Hohenlo’s life and times will benefit him greatly.”
“And it’s so kind of you to put your car at our service,” said Miss Knowles. “We go out so little since we came to Schwartzberg. Frederic came swooping into the room just now with the news, and we were as delighted as children.” Her eyes went to Scanlon, and then back to the crime specialist. “But,” she suggested, “won’t you find it very dull here while we are gone?”
“Quite the contrary,” replied Ashton-Kirk. “There are many things in which I can interest myself.”
“There are some of the Count’s journals in the library,” said Miss Hohenlo. “Please don’t overlook them. His views upon his time are quite charming.”