Randy's neck stiffened. "Then the Hamiltons have sold it?"

"Yes. A Mr. Waterman of New York bought it."

Kemp had come back. "Mr. Waterman says he'll send the car at once. He
is delighted to know that you have come, sir."

"How long must I wait?"

"Not more than ten minutes, he said, sir," Kemp's optimism seemed to
ricochet against his master's hardness and come back unhurt. "He will
send a closed car and will have your rooms ready for you."

"Serves me right for not wiring," said Dalton, "but who would believe
there is a place in the world where a man can't get a taxi?"

Young Paine was at the door, listening for the sound of hoofs, watching
with impatience. Suddenly he gave a shout, and the others looked to
see a small object which came whirling like a bomb through the mist.

"Nellie, little old lady, little old lady," the boy was on his knees,
the dog in his arms--an ecstatic, panting creature, the first to
welcome her master home!

Before he let her go, the little dog's coat was wet with more than
rain, but Randy was not ashamed of the tears in his eyes as he faced
the others.

"I've had her from a pup--she's a faithful beast. Hello, there they
come. Gee, Jefferson, but you've grown! You are almost as big as your