The Adventures of Grace Quinlan and Lord William Hayden on the Isles of Polynesia (Tale of the Birdmen) Volume 4

Excerpt: The students filed into Lord Hayden’s classroom. A few of them caught their eminent professor looking across the hall where Professor Elizabeth Eldridge stood at the entrance to her own classroom. One or two of them recognized the sadness, if not its cause, behind the tall man’s stalwart exterior.
With the students settled, Professor William Hayden, known to his friends and peers as Lord Hayden, began his lecture....
One of his brighter students, a young man of Hawaiian descent, raised his hand, waving it enthusiastically. From the beginning of the term, the fellow had struck Lord Hayden as impulsive. However, his IQ and his respect for the subject of archeology often prompted Lord Hayden to make allowances for the young student’s often unorthodox behavior in class, such as his now interrupting with what he was certain had nothing to do with the lesson at hand. He nodded for the student to speak.
"I must show you this, please." Ronne spoke with a slight accent. From his trouser pocket he produced a miniature that shone gold. "My aunt who owns a small estate in Hawaii found this while planting in her garden." The young man went on, hardly taking breath, "It’s authentic, very old and solid gold. She had it verified by a local antiquarian. She thinks there might be more of these pieces lying beneath her garden." He added significantly, "She’s wealthy, Dr. Hayden."
Lord Hayden motioned for him to bring up the artifact.
The piece appeared indeed authentic, the image of a Polynesian God. He would have to research the exact name and the legends associated with this deity. "We’ll talk about it after class," Lord Hayden told the youth. "Please sit down."
The young man in his early twenties returned to his seat, bouncing with anticipation. Lord Hayden controlled his own enthusiasm. He was sure the local museum and its most generous contributor, the college, would be very interested in purchasing this artifact, and what others might lie unearthed in the garden of this young student’s aunt. And besides the archaeological interest, was the opportunity he had been waiting for, with winter recess approaching. Another collaboration with Professor Elizabeth Eldridge, and through her, with the woman he adored, Grace Quinlan.
Later, in the staff room, Lord Hayden, accompanied by his Hawaiian student, placed the miniature in Professor Eldridge’s palm. "What do you think? Worth researching?" He let his student explain how he had come by the miniature. The knowledgeable lady archaeologist examined the piece. A smile broke past the stern features. The grey-tinted glasses hid the sparkle dancing in her emerald eyes....