Page:Earl Derr Biggers - Seven Keys to Baldpate (1913).djvu/156

138 Magee's left sat the professor, bearded, specta cled, calm, seemingly undisturbed by this queer flurry of events, beside the fair girl of the station who trusted Magee at last. In the first few mo- ments of silence Mr. Magee compared her deli cate features with the coarse knowing face of the woman at the table s foot, and inwardly answered "No."

Without the genial complement of talk the din ner began. Mr. Peters appeared with another variety of his canned soup, whereupon the silence was broken by the gastronomic endeavors of Mr. Max and the mayor. Mr. Magee was reflecting that conversation must be encouraged, when Car- gan suddenly spoke.

"I hope I ain't putting you folks out none," he remarked with obvious sarcasm. "It ain't my habit to drop in unexpected like this. But busi ness"

"We're delighted, I'm sure," said Mr. Magee politely.

"I suppose you want to know why I'm here," the mayor went on. "Well—" he hesitated— "it's like"