“Yes. He remained under water too long. Small loss to the community at large. I guess Miss Windom won’t wear mourning. She couldn’t bear the sight of him.”
“I don’t blame her. Was he a friend of the old man?”
“No. Merely a business acquaintance, I believe. Said he was looking for a certain-sized pearl to finish a necklace. Mr. Windom is a collector of pearls, you know. He has a fortune in them.”
Joy sighed.
“Wonder if the pearls go with the girl,” he sighed.
“Let’s talk on some sensible subject,” retorted Clif, shortly.
It was within an hour of dusk when they finally reached the pretty villa occupied by the Windoms.
The house was situated in the center of an extensive park, well-kept, and shaded by fine old trees. There was a small lodge at the gate, presided over by an elderly native, who admitted the cadets with every mark of respect.
He had evidently learned of Clif’s gallant deed that morning.