Page:On to Pekin.djvu/101

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GILBERT REACHES A CONCLUSION
81

Pennington—Gilbert Pennington—instead of just Gilbert. He deceived me when he introduced himself."

"Perhaps you didn't catch his full name."

"I am sure I caught what he said. Don't you suppose, if he had said Pennington, I should have remembered it?"

"Possibly not. A fellow doesn't remember all the names he hears."

"But this case is different, Jerry. The name Pennington is one I shall remember, no matter where I hear it."

Jerry Nickerson looked puzzled for a moment, and then emitted a low whistle. "By Jove! I had forgotten. It was a Jefferson Pennington who started the Richmond Importing Company, and whose widow gave your father so much trouble."

"Exactly; and, for all I know, this lieutenant may be some relative of that man. He comes from Virginia."

"That is rather far-fetched. Still, it may be; and, if I were you, I'd be for finding out."

"I will find out—and pretty quick, too."

"Hold on! You mustn't let him know you are