Page:Jackson Gregory--joyous trouble maker.djvu/101

Rh very fortunate if in some little way I could be of service to you. Though I do not know this man intimately I do know a good deal about him. Yes, I said that he was a crook; further I suggested that you look out for him. It appears that already he has started something. Just what … Will you let me ascertain for you? Will you allow me, in your behalf, to call on Mr. Steele this morning?" "I am going myself!" cried Beatrice quickly. "Not so much to be sure that my orders do not miscarry this time as to witness with my own eyes his ejection. If you care to accompany me …"

"Thank you," returned Embry. "If you think it would not be better to leave an unpleasant bit of business to me … Well, of course, you know best. Only, I imagine he will prove stubborn. If he has refused once already …" "Then," interrupted Beatrice with heat, "he will be thrown off! Surely I have men enough to handle Mr. William Steele."

Embry's smile broadened; he laughed softly.

"He will be thrown off. You are right, right as always. And I assure you, Miss Corliss, it will be a great pleasure to accompany you."

Beatrice rang and gave orders for a change in breakfast plans to include Mr. Embry. And Embry, again studying her through narrowed eyes, was deeply thoughtful. The gods of his destiny were offering him an opportunity. Perhaps merely an opportunity of service to the "dear lady " whom he unstintedly admired? Or of beginning negotiations of a sort with