Howard Snelling regarded his companion quizzically for a moment, then remarked with gravity:
"Oh, there is a kind heart in Mr. Galbraith, in spite of all his business instincts."
"Had you ever met the rest of the family before now?" questioned Bob more with a desire to turn the channel of conversation than because he had any interest in the matter.
The inquiry, idly made, produced an unexpected result, visibly throwing the expert out of his imperturbable composure; he flushed, stammered, and bit his lip before he successfully conquered his confusion:
"I—eh—oh, yes," was his reply. "I've been a dinner guest at the New York house several times; been sent for on a pinch to help out. Then Mr. Galbraith summons me there occasionally for consultation on business matters. The Belleport place is attractive, isn't it?"
"It's corking!"
"I suppose you spend a lot of time over there," ventured Snelling, lighting a gold-tipped Egyptian cigarette and offering Bob one.
Something in the question, he could not have told what, caused Robert Morton to dart a quick, furtive glance at the speaker.
Mr. Snelling was smoking and blowing indifferently into the air filmy rings of smoke, but through it the disconcerted young man encountered his penetrating gaze.
"I don't get over there very often," said Bob. "This invention keeps me rather busy."