“San Flancisco no good,” answered Louie. “All time lain dlop on nose. My like’um heah.”
“Going back to Madden’s, eh?” Holley inquired. Louie nodded. “Well, here’s a bit of luck for you, Louie. Mr. Eden is going out to the ranch presently, and you can ride with him.”
“Of course,” assented Eden.
“Catch’um hot tea. You wait jus’litta time, boss,” said Louie, sitting up to the counter.
“We’ll be down in front of the hotel,” Holley told him. The three of them went out. The little naturalist followed, and slipped by them, disappearing in the night.
Neither Holley nor Eden spoke. When they reached the hotel they stopped.
“I’m leaving you now,” Paula Wendell said. “I have some letters to write.”
“Ah, yes,” Eden remarked. “Well—don’t forget. My love to Wilbur.”
“These are business letters,” she answered, severely. “Good night.”
The girl went inside. “So Louie’s back,” Eden said. “That makes a pretty situation.”
“What’s the matter?” Holley said. “Louie may have a lot to tell.”
“Perhaps. But when he shows up at his old job—what about Charlie? He’ll be kicked out, and I’ll be alone on the big scene. Somehow, I don’t feel I know my lines.”
“I never thought of that,” replied the editor. “However, there’s plenty of work for two boys out there when Madden’s in residence. I imagine he’ll keep them both. And what a chance for Charlie to pump old Louie dry. You and I could ask him questions from now until doomsday
