“Nothing of the sort,” answered Eden. “He’s gone to bed, and I won’t disturb him till morning.”
Madden’s face purpled. “I insist. And my orders are usually obeyed.”
“Is that so?” remarked Eden. “Well, this is one that won’t be.”
Madden glared at him. “You young—you—er—young—”
“I know,” Eden said. “But this was all your fault. If you will insist on cluttering up the ranch with strangers, you must take the consequences.”
“Who cluttered up the ranch?” Madden demanded. “I didn’t invite that poor fool here. Where the devil did Thorn pick him up, anyhow? You know, the secretary of a man like me is always besieged by a lot of four-flushers—tip hunters and the like. And Thorn’s an idiot, sometimes.” The secretary entered and laid the flashlight on the desk. His employer regarded him with keen distaste. “Well, your little playmate certainly queered things,” he said.
Thorn shrugged. “I know. I’m sorry, Chief. But I couldn’t help it. You saw how he horned in.”
“Your fault for knowing him. Who is he, anyhow?”
“Oh, he’s a broker, or something like that. I give you my word, Chief, I never encouraged him. You know how those fellows are.”
“Well, you go out tomorrow and tie a can to him. Tell him I’m busy here and don’t want any visitors. Tell him for me that if he calls here again, I’ll throw him out.”
“All right. I’ll go down to the doctor’s in the morning and let him know—in a diplomatic way.”
“Diplomatic nothing,” snorted Madden. “Don’t waste diplomacy
