"
"He can't do it--too soon for me," declared Carroll. "And, Miss
Polly, you don't think the worse of me for having said behind his
back what I'm just waiting to say to his face?"
"Not a bit," said the girl warmly. "Only I know it's nonsense."
"I hope so," said Carroll, quite honestly. "I would hate to think
anything low-down of a man you'd call your friend."
Carroll had learned more than he had told, but less than enough to
give him what he considered proper evidence to lay before Polly's
father. After some deliberation as to the point of honor involved,
he decided to go to Raimonda, who, alone in Caracuna City, seemed
to be on personal terms with the hermit. He found the young man in
his office. With entire frankness, Carroll stated his errand and
the reason for it. The Caracunan heard him with grave courtesy.
"And now, senior," concluded the American, "here's my question,
and it's for you to determine whether, under the circumstances,
you are justified in giving me an answer. Is there a woman living
in Mr. Perkins's quinta on the mountains?"
"I cannot answer that question," said the other, after some
deliberation.
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