"Oh, that's all right. Parkins tells me his brother is shrewd and clever. I may as well have his assistance. Besides, I got a letter from Horace Parkins--that's the brother, for my man is called Mark--and he is in town now. He has just come from South Africa, so he may know of your father's doings there." "Oh," Eva looked excited, "and he may be able to say who killed him!" Allen shrugged his shoulders. "I don't say that. Your father may have had enemies in England as well as in Africa. But we'll see. I have never met Horace Parkins, but if he's as good a fellow as his brother Mark, my chum and partner, he'll do all he can to help me." "I am sure you will succeed, Allen," cried Eva joyfully; "look how things are fitting in. Mr. Parkins, coming from Africa, is just the person to know about my father." Young Hill said nothing. He fancied that Horace Parkins might know more about Mr. Strode than Eva would like to hear, for if the man was so great a scamp in England, he certainly would not settle down to a respectable life in the wilds. However he said nothing on this point, but merely reiterated his promise to find out who murdered Robert Strode, and then drew Eva down beside him. "What about yourself?" he asked anxiously. "I don't know. Mrs. Merry wants me to stop here." "I should think that is the best thing to do." "But I can't," replied Eva, shaking her head; "Mrs. Merry is poor. I can't live on her." "I admire your spirit, Eva, but I don't think Mrs. Merry would think you were doing her anything but honour." "All the more reason I should not take advantage of her kindness." Allen laughed. "You argue well," he said indulgently. "But see here, dearest. My mother is fond of you, and knows your position. She wants you to come to her." "Oh, Allen, if she were alone I would love to. I am very devoted to your mother. But your father----" "He won't mind." "But I do," said Eva, her colour rising. "I don't like to say so to you, Allen, but I must." "Say what?" "That I don't like your father very much." "That means you don't like him at all," said the son coolly. "Dear me, Eva, what unpleasant parents you and I have. Your father and mine--neither very popular. But you won't come?" "I can't, Allen." "You know my father is your dead father's dearest friend." "All the same I can't come." "What will you do, then?" asked Allen vexed. "Go out as a governess." "No; you must not do that. Why not----" Before Allen could propose anything the door opened and Mrs. Merry, with a sour face, ushered in Mrs. Palmer. The widow looked prettier and brighter than ever, though rather commonplace. With a disdainful sniff Mrs. Merry banged the door. "Eva, dear," said Mrs. Palmer. "Mr. Hill, how are you? I've come on business." "Business?" said Eva surprised. "Yes. Pardon my being so abrupt, but if I don't ask you now I'll lose courage. I want you to come and be my companion." CHAPTER IX THE MYSTERIOUS PARCEL