"
"As you wish," said Harley; "but I have an idea that it is your custom
to rest in the afternoon."
Colonel Menendez shrugged his shoulders. "It used to be," he admitted,
"but I have too much to think about in these days."
"I can see that you have much to tell me," admitted Harley; "and
therefore I am entirely at your service."
Val Beverley smiled and walked away swinging her book, at the same time
treating me to a glance which puzzled me considerably. I wondered if I
had mistaken its significance, for it had seemed to imply that she had
accepted me as an ally. Certainly it served to awaken me to the fact
that I had discovered a keen personal interest in the mystery which
hung over this queerly assorted household.
I glanced at my friend as the Colonel led the way into the house. I saw
him staring upward with a peculiar expression upon his face, and
following the direction of his glance I could see an awning spread over
one of the gray-stone balconies. Beneath it, reclining in a long cane
chair, lay Madame de Staemer. I think she was asleep; at any rate, she
gave no sign, but lay there motionless, as Harley and I walked in
through the open French window followed by Colonel Menendez.
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