original wizard, Adela--the marvel of the century-all
your troubles smoothed out while you
wait! What? Didn't you know? You must have heard about him? Haven't you read his advertisements? 'Are you in trouble? Consult Mr.
Parker Pyne.' There's just nothing he can't do.
Husbands and wives flying at each other's throats
and he brings 'em together--if you've lost interest
in life he giv
es you the most thrilling adventures.
As I say the man's just a wizard!"
It went on a good deal longer--Mr. Parker
Pyne at intervals making modest disclaimers. He
PROBLEM AT POLLENSA BAY
87
disliked the look that Mrs. Chester turned upon
him. He disliked even more seeing her return
along the beach in close confabulation with the
garrulous singer of his praises.
The climax came quicker than he expected. That
evening, after coffee, Mrs. Chester said abruptly,
"Will you come into the little salon, Mr. Pyne.
There is something I want to say to you."
He could but bow and submit.
Mrs. Chester's self-control had been wehring
thin--as the door of the little salon closed behind
them, it snapped. She sat down and burst into
tears.
"My boy, Mr. Parker Pyne. You must save
him. We must save him. It's breaking my heart!"
"My dear lady, as a mere outsider--"
"Nina Wycherley says you can do anything. She