“Yes, I do. Is there anything I can get you?”
“If it wouldn’t be too much bother, I’d like you to get me a set of chessmen.”
“A set of chessmen?” Kitty could not hide her surprise. Chess had become intimately associated in her mind with Cary and his partners.
Hazel laughed. “In my old age I’ve suddenly decided to become a chess fan.”
“It does seem to be quite a fad around here,” admitted Kitty.
“I haven’t any way to get the money to you before you go.”
“Oh, that’s all right,” said Kitty. “What price do you want to pay?” She recalled that her grandfather’s ivory chessmen had been very valuable.
“Oh, the cheapest ones you can find will do for me, plastic or wood will be all right. I only want them so I can learn the game.”
As Kitty put down the phone after this unusual request, she wondered what was behind it. She had no doubt that Hazel’s motive in learning the game had some connection with Lieutenant Cary’s chess playing. Yet the two made no pretense at friendship.
Though she had missed her father at breakfast Kitty was determined to see him before she went to town, so she decided to go to the hospital. By nine she had eaten breakfast and was ready for the weekly shopping expedition.