“Only the dew vanishes,” she reminded him; “the web remains, if almost invisible.... Still, I know what you mean.... Wasn’t that Miss Landis you were with, just now?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me”—she stirred, half turning to him—“has anything new transpired—about the collar?”
“You know about that!” he exclaimed in surprise.
“Of course; the ship has been humming with it ever since dinner.”
“But how—?”
“Mrs. Ilkington told me, of course. I presume Miss Landis told her.”
“Doubtless,” he agreed reluctantly, little relishing the thought. Still, it seemed quite plausible, Alison’s views on advertising values considered. “No,” he added presently; “I’ve heard nothing new.”
“Then the Secret Service man hasn’t accomplished anything?”
“So you know about him, too?... Can’t say—haven’t seen him since morning. Presumably he’s somewhere about, sniffing for clues.”