help, and that young man, though engaged in a desultory
conversation, whispered under his breath, "Ask him about the
Aztecs."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Crosby," said Patty, "it's about the--the Aztecs,--you
know."

"Ah, yes, the Aztecs,--a most interesting race, MOST interesting,
indeed. And what do you want to know about them, Miss Fairfield?"

Patty was tempted to say ALL about them, for her knowledge of the
ancient people was practically nothing.

"Did they--did they--"

"Eat snails," said Philip, in a whisper.

"Did they eat snails, Mr. Crosby?" And Patty's big blue eyes were
innocent of anything, save an intense desire to know about the Aztec
diet.

"Snails?--snails?--well, bless my soul! I don't believe I know.
Important, too,--most important. I'll look it up, and let you know.
Snails--queer I DON'T know. I made a study of the Aztecs, and they
are most interesting,--but as to snails--"

Apparently Mr. Crosby's mind was wrestling with the question.

"He's gone 'way back and sat down with the Aztecs," Philip murmured
to Patty, "so you ask questions of me."