Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/196

Waikiki, the abode of peace, the crescent beach where happiness rules supreme. Suppose one of these touristswho took me at my word should see you.”

“I—I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “I’m not happy; I can’t be.”

“No, of course you can’t—not at this moment, I mean. But why not look ahead to all the happiness that’s coming, and draw a little advance on that?”

“I’ll—I’ll never be happy again,” she told him.

“Nonsense. I’m going to make the world as glamourous for you as I’ve made this town in the Tourist Bureau ads. When we’re married——”

She pushed him away. “We'll never be married. Oh, it’s terrible. I’m horrid, really—and you don’t suspect. You'll hate me—when you know.”

“Do tell! Look at me.” He leaned over and kissed her.

“You mustn’t,” she cried.

“I’ve got to,” he smiled. “It’s my duty. I’ve advertised this place for its romance, and romance there must be if I have to attend to it myself. Now listen to me—inside a week or less all this will be over, and you can begin to forget. Charlie Chan is going to solve the puzzle at any minute——”

“Oh—do you think so?”

“He’s sure to. You can’t keep anything from Charlie.”

“I wonder,” said the girl.

“I know,” Bradshaw replied firmly.

Scarcely sharing Bradshaw’s confidence, Chan was at that moment entering the lobby of the Grand Hotel. He waved a hand toward the bell-man, and went at once to the desk.