brought to the ranch at all. I want you to go to Barstow tomorrow, meet this Draycott, and order him to go on to Pasadena. I’m going down there on Wednesday. Tell him to meet me at the door of the Garfield National Bank in Pasadena at noon, sharp, Wednesday. I’ll take the pearls then—and I’ll put them where they’ll be safe.”
Bob Eden smiled. “All right,” he agreed. “You’re the boss.”
“Good,” said Madden. “I’ll have Ah Kim drive you into town in the morning, and you can catch the Barstow train. But remember—this is between you and me. Not a word to anybody. Not to Gamble—of course. Not even to Thorn.”
“I get you,” Eden answered.
“Fine! Then it’s set. Good night.”
Madden went softly out. For a long time Eden stared after him, more puzzled than ever.
“Well, anyhow,” he said at last, “it means another day of grace. For this relief, much thanks.”
