“Just one more little problem rising up,” said Chan.
Eden nodded. “Lord, I haven’t met so many problems since I gave up algebra. And by the way, tomorrow’s Tuesday. The pearls are coming, hurrah, hurrah. At least, old P.J. thinks they are. He’s going to be hard to handle tomorrow.”
A faint knock sounded on the door to the patio, and Chan had just time to get to the fireplace and busy himself there when it was opened and Madden, oddly noiseless for him, entered.
“Why, hello—” began Eden.
“Hush!” said Madden. He looked toward the bathroom. “Go easy, will you. Ah Kim, get out of here.”
“Allight, boss,” said Ah Kim, and went.
Madden stepped to the bathroom door and listened. He tried it gently; it opened at his touch. He went in, locked the door leading into the room occupied by Gamble, and returned, shutting the door behind him.
“Now,” he began, “I want to see you. Keep your voice down. I’ve finally got hold of your father on the telephone, and he tells me a man named Draycott will arrive with the pearls at Barstow tomorrow noon.”
Eden’s heart sank. “Ah—er—that ought to bring him here tomorrow night—”
Madden leaned close, and spoke in a hoarse undertone. “Whatever happens,” he said, “I don’t want that fellow to come to the ranch.”
Eden stared at him in amazement. “Well, Mr. Madden, I’ll be—”
“Hush! Leave my name out of it.”
“But after all our preparation—”
“I tell you I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want the pearls
