“He wants me to invite her to supper again and let him sit up late.”
Mr. Carter laughed. “You must do that, Kitten. But for Hazel’s watchful care Billy might not have recovered so quickly.”
“I’m sure of that.”
“And by the way, my dear, I’ve talked with Hazel about what you told me the other night.”
“Oh, did you?”
“She told me about the chess playing—Lieutenant Cary hobnobbing with Krome, Punaro and men from the galley.”
“When I saw him playing with Punaro I thought they must be two of a kind. I was already suspicious of them both. But Krome seems a good-natured sort. Somehow I hate to think he may be in on the dirty work.”
“Hazel doesn’t think he is—quite the contrary. And it wouldn’t be very likely. A man who’s been in the service ten or twelve years.”
“Did Hazel tell you why she’s been learning to play chess? I was very curious but didn’t dare ask.”
To Kitty’s surprise her father laughed heartily. “Hazel’s keen, and certainly has done a grand job as detective since she’s been here, but I doubt if she’ll make a go of the chess racket.”