“And now,” he added, “I think it’s time to drop speculation for a space. There is some work ahead of us which is going to be sharp and of the sort that leaves not even a trace of doubt in the mind.”
CHAPTER XXIII
CONCLUSION
ASHTON-KIRK, with Miss Knowles and Scanlon, entered the billiard room a few moments later.
Miss Hohenlo greeted them despairingly.
“Frederic’s game is disgraceful,” she said. “I never saw him play so badly.”
“In that case,” laughed Ashton-Kirk, “it will be a charity to relieve you of him. Miss Knowles, I am sure, will take his place with credit.”
The girl gave him a quick glance; then she went to the table and took the cue from Campe’s hand.
“I don’t think I have much of a chance against Miss Hohenlo,” smiled she. “She’s always been too clever for me.”
“My dear,” cried the spinster, reproachfully, “you play an excellent game. Indeed, I am never quite at ease with you.”
“That maiden-lady’s pretty able,” spoke Scanlon to Ashton-Kirk, a few moments later in the hall; “and in other things besides billiards. She must be on that something’s happening, that you first put Campe on guard over her and now the girl, and yet she goes on as if nothing was to be feared.”