life away out here? Yes—I’ll tackle Park Row again.”
He left Eden at the ranch. The boy went at once to his room, and as soon as he had freshened up a bit, stepped into the patio. Ah Kim passed.
“Anything new?” whispered Eden.
“Thorn and Gamble away all day in big car,” the Chinese replied. “Nothing more.” It was obvious he was still sunk in bafflement.
In the living-room Eden found the millionaire sitting aimless and lonely. Madden perked up at the boy’s arrival. “Back safe, eh?” he said. “Did you find Draycott? You can speak out. We’re alone here.”
Eden dropped into a chair. “It’s all set, sir. I’ll give you the Phillimore pearls at eight o’clock tonight.”
“Where?”
“Here at the ranch.”
Madden frowned. “I’d rather it had been at Eldorado. You mean Draycott’s coming here—”
“No, I don’t. I’ll have the pearls at eight o’clock, and I’ll give them to you. If you want the transaction kept private, that can be arranged.”
“Good.” Madden looked at him. “Maybe you’ve got them now?” he suggested.
“No. But I’ll have them at eight.”
“Well, I’m certainly glad to hear it,” Madden replied. “But I want to tell you right here that if you’re stalling again—”
“What do you mean—stalling?”
“You heard me. Do you think I’m a fool. Ever since you came you’ve been stalling about that necklace. Haven’t you?”
