Although he had a chance to wink or mutter a word when Duff answered the doorbell, Higgins behaved as if Duff were a stranger. He asked for Mr. Harry Ellings and was conducted upstairs. Charles Yates said loudly as the two men climbed, “Real G-men! Golly!
Maybe I’ll be one!”
Nearly an hour passed. Eleanor and Duff washed and dried the dishes. Marian and Charles pretended to do homework and actually discussed the visit of the FBI, speculating horrendously on its possible causes.
Then Higgins came to the head of the stairs. “Oh, Miss Yates?” When Eleanor appeared, he added, “You are Miss Yates? Will you come up a moment?” And that other young boarder, too, if he will.”
They went up. The box was open, in the middle of the room. Harry was sitting in his easy chair, looking angry. Higgins pointed to the object in the box. “Either of you ever seen that before?”
They had been instructed. They looked at the object. Duff squatted down by the box and scrutinized the curious piece of machined metal.
“No,” he said positively.
Eleanor shook her bright head. “Not even the box!”
“I told you!” Harry said crossly. “I brought it in when they were on a picnic. Ye gods!
Government snoops! Government snoops! I’m well within my rights—”