For one flashing instant some inner
knowledge had linked him with his own unlived experience. It was
gone as soon as it came. He did not even realize it, save as a sense
of strangeness. Yet, as a chemist lifts a vial and drops the one
drop which changes all within his crucible, so some magic philtre
tinged John Roger's cup of life in that one stolen look.
"Have you found anything?" Aunt Caroline's voice came impatiently.
"Nothing."
But to himself he added "everything" for indeed the mystery of Benis
seemed a mystery no longer. The photograph made everything clear.
And yet not so clear, either. The doctor looked around at the ship-
shape bachelorness of the tent, at the neat pile of newly typed
manuscript upon the bed, and felt bewildered. Even the eccentricity
of Benis, in its most extravagant mode, seemed inadequate as a
covering explanation.
Giving himself a mental shake, the intruder picked up the largest
chair and rejoined Aunt Caroline.
"It's Benis right enough," he announced. "He is probably off
interviewing Indians. I had better light a fire. It may break the
news."
CHAPTER XVI
We left the professor somewhat abruptly in the midst of a cryptic
ejaculation of "My Aunt!"
"How can it be your Aunt?" asked Desire reasonably.
"I don't know how. But, owing to some mysterious combination of the
forces of nature, it is my Aunt. No one else could wear that hat."
"Then hadn't we better go to meet her? You can't sit here all
night.
Pages:
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147