"Meaning, that it would be up to Elaine Cavendish and me?" answered Croyden.
"I wish I could be so sure," Croyden reflected. "Sure of the girl, as well as sure of myself."
Croyden laughed, a trifle self-consciously.
"I fancy I could manage myself," he said.
"Get the miserable money out of your mind a moment, will you?--you're hipped on it!"
"All right, old man, anything for peace! Tell me, did you see her, when you were home?"
"You--she talked Croyden at least seven-eighths of the time; I, the other eighth."
"Must have been an interesting conversation. Anything left of the victim, afterward?"
"I refuse to become facetious," Macloud responded. Then he threw his cigar into the grate and arose. "It matters not what was said, nor who said it! If you will permit me the advice, you will take your chance while you have it."
"You have--more than a chance, if you act, now----" He walked across to the window. He would let that sink in.--"How's the Symphony in Blue?" he asked.
"As charming as ever--and prepared for your coming."
"As charming as ever, and prepared for your coming."
"Some of your work!" he commented. "Did you propose for me?"
"I left that finality for you--being the person most interested."
"Thanks! you're exceedingly considerate."
"When did you arrange for me to go over?" asked Macloud.
"Any time--the sooner the quicker. She'll be glad to see you."
"In other words, you worked your imagination--overtime!" laughed Macloud. "It's a pity you couldn't work it a bit over the Parmenter jewels. You might locate them."
"I'm done with the Parmenter jewels!" said Croyden.
"But they're not done with you, my friend. So long as you live, they'll be present with you. You'll be hunting for them in your dreams."
"Meet me to-night in dream-land!" sang Croyden. "Well, they're not likely to disturb my slumbers--unless--there was a rather queer thing happened, last night, Colin."
"Yes!--I got in to Hampton, in the evening; about nine o'clock, I was returning to Clarendon when, at the gates, I was accosted by a tall, well-dressed stranger. Here is the substance of our talk.... What do you make of it?" he ended.
"It seems to me the fellow made it very plain," Macloud returned, "except on one possible point. He evidently believes we found the treasure."