t. Most big
troublesome for young man."

I did not think it strange this queer person knew Page. The boy had all
kinds and conditions in his classes, as Jane had in her Quarters.
Neither was it unusual for a stranger to follow me around. When I went
to a new part of the city, I was accustomed to being followed as if I
were a part of a circus. But my self-attached friend's interest in
Page's history caused me to observe him more closely. Except that his
patched clothes were cleaner and he spoke English I could discover
little difference between him and Jane's other guests.

Criminal or not his carelessly put but persistent questions regarding
Page, his habits, how long I had known him, how often he came to my
house and many other things, so annoyed me that I arose to find Jane and
suggest going home. Failing in my quest I returned to find my inquisitor
gone and Zura putting on her coat and hat.

"Zura," I said, "who was that man who stuck to me all afternoon like
furniture varnish? He made me talk whether I wanted to or not. Such
questions as he asked!"

"Do you mean that clean, raggy little man who looked through you, but
not at you?" she questioned. "Star of my Sapphire, you have made a hit.
That was Kobu, the keenest detective the flag of the Rising Sun ever
waved over. I thought you knew. He has been here a week trying to pry
information out of Lady Jinny. You should hear their interviews. He asks
the subtlest questions, and Jane Gray doesn't do a thing but let her
tongue get locomotor ataxia, and Kobu can make nothing of her answers.
It's as good as vaudeville to hear them. He'd just as well leave her
alone. Torture wouldn't make her tell what she knows, and she doesn't
have to either! Did he ask you about Page? He did me too. What does it
matter? I told him all I knew. That is most all. Why shouldn't I?
There's nothing wrong about Page. He just can't get over the loss of his
father, and there is something about old money that worries him."

She threw her arms around my waist.

"What a happy day! Isn't Jane the realest saint you ever knew? You're a
saint, too, Ursula, the nice sinnery kind that I love to play with. I am
tired and hungry. Come on, let's find Lady Jinny and go home. Isn't the
blessedest thing in the world to have one to go to? I dare you to race
me to the corner." I was far from feeling playful, so declined.

More than ever I felt the necessity of an interview with Page. I must
know the truth.