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"You're just the man I'm looking for," Bernie Dreux told Norvin, whom he chanced to meet on the following morning. "I've made a discovery." "Indeed! What is it?" "Hist! The walls have ears." Bernie cast a glance over his shoulder at the busy, sunlit street and the hurrying crowds. "Come!" With a melodramatic air he led Blake into a coffee-house near by.
However, on the particular day in the summer of 1890 on which we first encounter him Mr. Dreux was well contented, for a lumber-man from Minneapolis, who had come South with no appreciation whatever of Colonial antiques, had just departed with enough worm-eaten furniture to stock a museum, and Bernie had collected his regular commission from the dealer.
Bernie was full of it and could talk of nothing else when he dropped in as usual. "She's all tired out, and I reckon she'll sleep for a week. I hope so, anyhow." "I'm sorry I couldn't see her, but I'm glad I escaped the Carnival. The Mardi Gras is hard enough on the women; but it kills us men." "I should say so. Look at me a wreck."
She seemed upon the verge of kissing him, perhaps upon the nose, but changed her mind and went dancing around his chair like some moon-mad sprite. He seized her, barely in time to prevent her from crying the news aloud to Bernie, explaining hastily that she must breathe no word to any one for the time being and must first win her brother's consent.
Why, only to-day I was saying how I'd LOVE to live in New York, and how I HATED to go back to that old school! But I never dreamed of such a thing as this!" "Oh, it's just fine!" exclaimed Bernice. "I couldn't think of leaving father, and I'd rather live in the country anyhow " "I discovered that, Bernie, girl," said her uncle, seriously.
Dreux was leaning back in his chair and beaming triumphantly. "Come, come! What's his name?" "Joe Poggi." "Poggi? He's the owner of that fruit-stand you've been watching." "Exactly! Chief Donnelly suspected him." "Nonsense!" Norvin's face was twitching once more. "Poggi is on the force; he's a detective, like you." "Come off!" Bernie was shocked and incredulous.
He had forced a loan upon Bernie sufficient to meet the requirements of any Queen, and had spent several delightful evenings with the girl herself, amused by her plans of royal conquest. It was like a tonic to be with her.
Ah, if I had found that woman here there would have been a scene, I promise you." "Help me out," gasped Mr. Dreux, and Norvin came willingly to his friend's rescue. "Bernie loves no one but you," he said. "So? I glory in the fact that I loathe him." "Please sit down." "No!" Miss Delord plumped herself down upon the edge of the proffered seat, her toes bardy touching the floor. "I'm working Mrs.
"Oh, Dotty, it's splendid! I can hardly believe it!" "Have you told Bernice?" "Not yet. Had to tell you first. When do we go?" "Next Tuesday, I think. Now, you tell Bernie, so she can write to her uncle that we accept." And then there was another jubilation over the telephone. "Fine!" cried Bernice, as she heard the news. "Lovely! I'd so much rather have you two girls than any others.
I had no idea you were familiar with the case. It's remarkable how these old trails recross." "I I know everything about the murder of Martel Savigno, for I saw it. I was there. He was my best friend. That is the story of which you read. That is why the mention of his name upset me, even after nearly five years." Bernie Dreux uttered an exclamation and hitched forward in his chair.
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