"'Like millions of pygmy Ajaxes defying the lightning,' I said.
"'Now I never imagined that authors were clever except in print,' she said.
"She was a most extraordinary girl.
"'I suppose,' she observed, after a moment's silence—'I suppose I am taking you to my father.'
"'Delighted!' I mumbled. 'H'm! I had the honor of meeting Professor Holroyd in Paris.'
"'Yes; he bailed you and Jack out,' said Miss Holroyd, serenely.
"The silence was too painful to last.
"'Captain McPeek is an interesting man,' I said. I spoke more loudly than I intended. I may have been nervous.
"'Yes,' said Daisy Holroyd, 'but he has a most singular hotel clerk.'