CHAPTER XI.
JACK.
Jack and Nero entered the library, where Mr. Reed and Eben Slade sat waiting.
The entrance of the sailor-coachman had a peculiar effect upon Eben Slade. It gave him a drowsy appearance. Some men have that look when they are specially on their guard.
"Did you want me, Capt'n?" asked Jack, after standing a few seconds and receiving no orders.
"No; I want you," spoke up Eben Slade, in a bold yet uneasy tone. "Let's see if you can answer a few plain questions."
Jack glanced inquiringly at Mr. Reed; then, brightening, replied to Slade as to one not at all worthy of his respect:
"Questions? P'raps. Reel 'em out."
It was plain from the start that, if the sailor-coachman could have his own way, Eben Slade would get but little information out of him. He had despised the fellow as a "skulker," from the moment he had seen him sneaking about the grounds like a spy, as he truly suspected him to be.