Jefferson family tree will never be blown down by any hot air from
me, so rest easy. Now, let's get down to cases about our opening
Thursday night."

Bunch and I were both puzzled by Skinski's peculiar line of talk,
but we forgot it and completed all the details for the opening the
next night.

It was after eight o'clock when I reached home, and Peaches met me
at the door with the face lights on full.

"Now for the secret!" she chirped, as she dragged me into the
diningroom.

"Make mine a small one," I admonished; "I've had a busy day."

"This is a cure for all your business worries," she gurgled.
"Guess what, John! We sail for Europe next Wednesday!"

"Poor Peaches!" I said sympathetically; "that's what you get for
drinking too much tea."

"I mean it seriously, John!" she cried eagerly. "Uncle Peter has
booked passages on the Oceanic for the whole family, and he is
going to pay all the expenses for a three months' trip."

"Water! water!" I gasped faintly, and I meant it, but Peaches
thought I was only cutting up.

"I knew you'd be delighted," she capered on; "and it was all I