Vicky jumped up from the table, and ignoring Somers, ran out to the
hall, saying something about looking after the surprise for the
supper. To my surprise, Somers followed her, not hastily, but rather
deliberately, and, quelling an absurd impulse to go, too, I turned to
Norman Steele, who stood near.

"Who's this Somers?" I asked him, rather abruptly. "Is he all right?"

"You bet," said Steele, smiling. "He's a top-notcher."

"In what respects?"

"Every and all."

"You've known him long?"

"Yes. I tell you Cal, he's all right. Forget it. What's the surprise
for supper? Do you know?"

"Of course not. It wouldn't be a surprise if we all knew of it."

"Well, Vicky's surprises are always great fun. Why the grouch, old
man? Can't you chirrup?"

"Oh, I'm all right," and I felt annoyed that he read in my face that I
was put out. But I didn't like the looks of Somers, and I couldn't say
so to the man who had brought him there.

"Oh, please! Oh, _please!_" shouted a hoarse, strange voice, and one