“Let’s see if Mr. Everdail won’t listen to us about that, now.”
Dick’s suggestion was followed.
The millionaire listened gravely to their statement and broke into a hearty laugh.
“As I live and breathe!” he said. “You members of Jeff’s Sky Patrol are working for the wrong side. You ought to be with that London lad, who suspects my wife and her cousin, Miss Serena, and me! Oh—this is great! You’re helping me a whole lot. I think I must increase the allowances for Suspicious Sandy, Detective Dick and—er—Follow-the-Leader Larry.”
He turned his frowning lips and smiling eyes on the latter.
“I’m amazed at you, though. Jeff says you’ve got good judgment.”
“Captain Parks had opportunity—he knew you would take his word—no one else knew his safe combination. Isn’t that common sense, sir?”
“It’s a kind of sense that’s common enough—but——”
“Who else could get the emeralds?” persisted Sandy.
“Well, let’s see. Besides Captain Parks, there’s—” his voice trailed off; once he shook his head at some thought; once he scowled; finally he shook his head defiantly.