He enjoyed the look of surprise on the young man's face.
"My father ?" murmured Truxton, catching his breath.

He was shaking hands with the Baron, all the while staring blankly into his twinkling, snapping eyes.
"Won't you join me at this table?
A julep will not be bad, eh ?" King sat down opposite to him at one of the piazza tables, in the shade of the great trailing vines.
"Fine," was his only comment.
A waiter took the order and departed.

The Baron produced his cigarette case.

King carefully selected one and tapped its tip on the back of his hand.
"Is--has anything happened to my father ?" he asked quietly.

"Bad news ?" "On the contrary, sir, he is quite well.