“Well, I am sorry for your misfortune, young man. You seem to be in a serious dilemma. It’s a peculiar case, to say the least of it, and I can only say I hope you’ll come out on top and with colors flying. All ready, Phoebe?”
As they walked back to the house the girl felt sorely disappointed over the result of the interview, from which she had hoped so much. The governor talked on all sorts of subjects except that of Toby Clark and she replied as cheerfully as she could. Not until they were in sight of the Daring house did he refer to the visit, and then it was to say absently:
“Kellogg—Kellogg. What’s the lawyer’s other name?”
“Abner, sir.”
“Fine fellow?”
“I don’t like him,” said Phoebe.
“Ah! Judith tells me you’re investigating this case yourself; posing as a sort of female detective.”
“Oh, no!” she protested. “Cousin Judith and I—merely in a laughing way and yet earnest in our desire to help Toby—organized a private conspiracy to probe the mystery in our own way and try to discover its solution. I suppose, sir, we are very foolish to think we can accomplish anything, but—”
“But you may succeed, nevertheless. I believe in girls. When they’re sincere and determined they can accomplish wonders. By the way, keep an eye on Abner Kellogg.”
“The lawyer?” she asked in surprise.