nd old aunt might have given him for Christmas
two decades past.

[Illustration (2 page 51 and 52)]

The third man was the largest of the three, with an expressionless face
and eyes that never stopped moving. He sat motionless in his chair,
apparently completely relaxed. Rick knew that the relaxation was
deceptive. Steve Ames at times looked relaxed like that, but it was the
same kind of quietness one finds in a coiled spring that has not yet
been released. The man had brown hair, light-brown eyes, and a heavy
tan. He spoke only twice while Rick watched, and then only to give
orders to the waiter. The other two men talked steadily, but in such low
tones that the boys could not hear words.

The crab imperial arrived, and the riddle of the familiar face was
forgotten in a new taste treat. After one luscious bite, Rick said, "I'm
going to bring the folks here and order a duplicate of this meal.
They'll go crazy."

Excellent food was a tradition in the Brant household. Mrs. Brant was a
superb cook, and both she and Hartson Brant had taught the Spindrift
young people to appreciate a well-prepared dish.

"I'll order the same thing just to keep them company," Scotty offered.

"Generous, always generous," Rick replied. "You'll eat the same thing
even if you have to force it down."

"I'll do just that," Scotty agreed. "Remember where you've seen yonder
diner?"

Rick shook his head. "Not yet. It's an odd trio. He's the dominant one
in the group. The bald one looks like a servant, and the big one like a
police dog on guard."

"Bodyguard?" Scotty asked quickly.

"Maybe. Or, perhaps, a chauffeur. It's hard to say."

"Do you suppose the white-haired man is just a familiar type and we've
never seen him before?"

"No. It isn't that. I know I've seen him before, but I can't tell you
where or when."

The boys finished the meal with a scoop of lemon sherbet and rose
reluctantly. "We'll be back," Rick promised.

"That we will," Scotty echoed.

The old waiter bowed them to the door. As they were leaving, Rick
paused. "Do you know that white-haired man at the table near us?"

"Why, sir, that's Mr. Merlin. Summer folks, you might say. He bought one
of the old mansions. This is his second summer with us."

"Which one of the old mansions?" Scotty asked.

"Calvert's Favor. It's in the guidebooks, sir. We have copies for sale
if you'd like one."

"We have one," Rick replied. "Thank you."

"Not at all, gentlemen. Hurry b