Things that he did not dream of were fated to turn up in that time, and he was bound to have his hands full.
Guests soon began to arrive. Several came in carriages, while others were not far enough away to bother with vehicles.
It was no fashionable gathering, but one of warm friends, of whom Joe Leslie had many.
His business and social life was such that he drew people to him, making many friends and few enemies, which is after all the only true way to go through this world.
CHAPTER XX
FOR PLUNDER
At about a quarter to nine Darrell once more sauntered past the house.
He could see into the parlor, as the inside shutters were turned, and with a number of others he was attracted by the bright scene.
Although perhaps he would not confess it, the bachelor detective was eagerly hoping for even a fleeting glimpse of Marian.
He got it too.
After having seen the photograph Lillian had shown him, he knew he could not be mistaken.