Читать книгу When the Sea Gives Up Its Dead. A Thrilling Detective Story онлайн

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“His money shall not be touched,” put in Mr. Cory in a very decided tone. “I have a nice sum available for unexpected contingencies like the present.”

“And so have I,” answered Miss Margaret.

“You are very kind; I hardly know how to thank you,” said Hilton, very much moved.

“And how can I help?” inquired Annie, piteously. “I have no money of my own, but I am anxious to do some real work, and I am sure you would find me clever and capable.”

“I should only be too glad of your help,” said Hilton, with animation in his mien and entreaty in his voice, “but the only way in which you can help seems too preposterous to suggest to you.”

“Out with it, man,” cried Mr. Cory; “if it is something that cannot be undertaken, no harm will be done.”

“Then here you are, sir. It is necessary that I should gain a little insight into the doings of the family of Mr. David Stavanger, for I am convinced that either he or his son knows where the still missing diamonds could be found. There is an advertisement in to-day’s paper for a holiday governess to the youngest Miss Stavanger, a girl of twelve. To-morrow morning I intended going to the office of Messrs. Bell and White, private inquiry agents, to ask them to send their principal lady detective, Miss Dora Bell, to try for the appointment, as a governess has many means of gaining information concerning what is going on in a household. Now, if you——”