collections in the country," he said. "I may even be able to find
somebody who'll top Rivers's offer, but don't be disappointed if I
don't.... By the way, did anybody help Mr. Fleming keep this stuff clean?
The room seems dry, but even so, they'd need an occasional wiping-off."

"Oh, Walters was always in here, going over the pistols," Nelda said.
"He's been in here every day, lately."

"I wonder if you could spare him to help me a little? I'll need somebody
who knows his way around here, at first."

"Why, of course," Gladys agreed. "He isn't very busy in the mornings, or
in the afternoons till close to dinner-time. Are you going to start work
today?"

"I'll have to. I'm going to see Stephen Gresham and his associates this
evening, and I'll want to know what I'm talking about."

They spent about fifteen minutes over their drinks, talking about the
collection. Rand and Gladys did most of the talking, in spite of Nelda's
best efforts to monopolize the conversation. Geraldine, after a few
minutes, retired into her private world and only roused herself when her
sister and stepmother were about to leave. When they went out, Gladys
promised to send Walters up directly; Rand heard her speaking to him at
the foot of the main stairway.




CHAPTER 7