“Quite true; but when he learned that you were near at hand, and when he heard you approaching, the man disappeared in a most astounding, inexplicable and unaccountable manner. He didn’t wait until you should come forth to meet him face to face.”
“That was rather odd,” admitted Sage.
“And, furthermore, you have stated that you have no idea who the person can be.”
“Not the slightest.”
“Is there anything connected with your past or that of your parents which, for good and sufficient reasons, you wish to conceal?”
Fred sat up suddenly. “Why should you imagine anything of that sort?” he retorted sharply. “Of course it’s nonsense.”
“H’m!” said Sleuth. “It’s a rare family closet that doesn’t contain a skeleton.”
“Well, Piper, if you’ve come here to pry into private family affairs, you may as well chase yourself at once.”
“Restrain your annoyance, Sage; check your angry resentment. If you choose to unbosom yourself to me in my professional capacity, you may do so with the assurance of my honorable intention to hold inviolate any secret with which I may be entrusted.”
Fred’s face was flushed and he betrayed annoyance, which, however, he endeavored to restrain.