Wharf to meet the 11:30 boat--the one the theater crowd uses.
Have plenty of gas and oil; there won't be any stops after we
start. Park out pretty well near the shore end as close as you
can get to that ten-foot gum sign, and be ready to go when I
climb in. I may have a friend with me. You know Oakland?"

"Fair to middling. I can get around by myself."

"Well, that's all right. I've got to go back to the city--
catching the next train. You better take the two-fifty to
Oakland. Here's money for whatever expense there is. And say! put
these number plates in your pocket, and take off the ones on the
car. I bought these of a fellow that had a smash--they'll do
for the trip. Put them on, will you? She's wise to the car
number, of course. Put the plates you take off under the seat
cushion; don't leave 'em. Be just as careful as if it was a
life-and-death matter, will you? I've got a big deal on, down
there,and I don't want her spilling the beans just to satisfy a
grudge--which she would do in a minute. So don't fail to be at
the ferry, parked so you can slide out easy. Get down there by
that big gum sign. I'll find you, all right."

"I'll be there." Bud thrust the key and another ten dollars into
his pocket and turned away.

"And don't say anything--"

"Do I look like an open-faced guy?"

The man laughed. "Not much, or I wouldn't have picked you for