“I don't understand,” answered Miss Trevor.
“Miss Thorn has been good enough to point out,” I explained, “that the political machine in this section, which has the honor to detest me, will seize upon the pretext of the Celebrity's capture to ruin me. They will take the will for the deed.”
“Of course they will do just that,” cried Miss Trevor. “How bright of you to think of it, Marian!”
Miss Thorn stood up.
“I leave you to persuade him,” said she; “I have no doubt you will be able to do it.”
With that she left us, quite suddenly. Abruptly, I thought. And her manner seemed to impress Miss Trevor.
“I wonder what is the matter with Marian,” said she, and leaned over the skylight. “Why, she has gone down to talk with the Celebrity.”
“Isn't that rather natural?” I asked with asperity.
She turned to me with an amused expression.
“Her conduct seems to worry you vastly, Mr. Crocker. I noticed that you were quite upset this morning in the cave. Why was it?”