He seldom permitted himself to meet the gaze of the person with whom he was talking.
Some inquiry, after reaching the hotel, developed the fact that Dee Dickinson was a notary, did a little real estate business, and drew a few papers for his neighbors, thus managing to eke out a precarious living.

So far as the girls were able to find out, Dickinson's character was above reproach.

Miss Elting chided herself for having formed a wrong opinion of the man.

Still she could not overcome her irritation at his evident reluctance in getting the boat ready.
It was quite late in the afternoon when Dee appeared at the hotel, red of face, his clothes soiled and wet.
"Well, we got the old thing," was his greeting.
"Is the boat here ?" inquired the guardian coldly.
"Yes, Miss Elting.

It's down at Johnson's dock this very minute.