“I used to think so, too. But he seems to be stuck, this time.”
“What’s the matter?”
“He went to New York almost a week ago with some clues that Joe and I were certain would clear up the affair, and so far we haven’t heard from him, only to know that the case was harder than he expected.”
“But he hasn’t given up, has he?”
“Well—no—”
“Then what are you worrying about, silly? If your father had given up the case there would be something to worry about. If he is still working on it there’s always hope.”
They walked on in silence for a while.
“Let’s go out to see the Robinsons,” Callie said suddenly.
“I’ve been intending to go, but—I sort of—well—you know—”
“You thought it might embarrass them. Well, it won’t. I know Paula and Tessie well, and they’re not that kind. They’d appreciate a friendly visit.”
Frank hesitated. He had the natural shyness of his age and he felt awkward about visiting the Robinsons in their new home, for he knew they were now in reduced circumstances and might not wish their former friends to see them in their present plight. But Callie’s words reassured him.
“All right. I’ll go. We can’t stay long, though.”
“We can’t. I must be back in time for supper. We’ll just drop in on them so they’ll know we haven’t forgotten all about them.”
“I thought you were going over to see them tonight?”