"That was before I knew her. Basil--my dear--you're
not thinking of marrying this other creature.''
Basil Chester said soberly:
"I'd marry her like a shot if she'd have me--but
I'm afraid she won't."
Cold chills went down Mrs. Chester's spine. She
sought and found Mr. Parker Pyne, placidly reading
a book in a sheltered corner.
"You must do something! You must do something!
My boy's life will be ruined."
Mr. Parker Pyne was getting a little tired of
Basil Chester's life being ruined.
"What can I do?"
"Go and see this terrible creature. If necessary
buy her off."
"That may come very expensive."
"I don't care."
PROBLEM ,T POLLENSA BAY
99
"It seems a Pity. Still there are, possibly, other
ways."
She looked a question. He shook his head.
"I'll make no proroises--but I'll see what I can
do. I have handled that kind before. By the way,
not a word to Basil--that would be fatal."
"Of course not."
Mr. Parker Pyne returned from the Mariposa at
midnight. Mrs. Chester was sitting up for him.
"Well?" she demarded breathlessly.
His eyes twinklcci.