Page:November Joe.pdf/152

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THE MURDER AT THE DUCK CLUB

and vivid good looks of a quite arresting kind, stepped from the agent's office and caught November impulsively by the hand.

"Oh, Joe, I am so glad to see you!"

November Joe always had a distinct appeal to women; high and low, whatever their station in life, they liked him. Of course, his looks were in his favour. Women generally do find a kind glance for six foot of strength and sinew, especially when surmounted by a perfectly poised head and features such as Joe's. He had a curious deprecating manner, too, that carried its own charm, and he appeared unable to speak two sentences to any woman without giving her the impression that he was entirely at her service—which, indeed, he was.

"When I got your message from Lavette, I come right along," said the woodsman simply; "Mr. Quaritch come, too. It's from him the club holds its lease."

Miss East sent me a flash of her dark eyes, and I saw they were full of trouble.

"I hope you will be on my side, Mr. Quaritch," she said. "Just now I need friends badly."

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