And what do you think Tony would tell you? Some of
them because they cant live anywhere else, the editoranswered. All we were to find
out waswhether Madden was here or not. Bob Eden was pleasantly conscious of theslim
lithe figure walking at his side. The door opened, and the Chinese shuffled into the
room. Ah Kim arrived on noiseless feet to clear away thebreakfast.
Tony might reveal just what is wrong on this ranch,
suggested Chan. He led the way to hisbedroom, and closed the door behind
them.
Your real headquarters out here are in Pasadena, I
believe?
I figured that if he was out, wecould leave a
message. Wait until I have snatched more conversation out of Tony.
Well, Im going to try it, the editor added. I shall
call my father on the telephone in the morning, and tell him tosend the string at
once. Now proceed towardthe miserable breakfast I have prepared. The secretary was
hurrying in from hisunwelcome errand. I thought it was a steak, and it seems to be a
lapdog. He informed me that Ipositively could not see the great P.
The fire sputtered; the metallictinkle of jazz
flowed on. He entered the hoteland returned in a moment with his suitcase, which he
tossed into thetonneau. I couldnt think of taking you away from your
work.
Here in California thesubdivider, like the poor, is
always with us. He nodded to the wallat the opposite end of the room from the
fireplace. I wouldnt have you any different, Bob Eden responded gallantly. Chinese
may be psychic people, as you say.
The parrot stopped screaming and blinked solemnly
at the little groupbefore him.
Please tell Madden that a messenger from Post
Street, San Francisco, iswaiting. Bob Eden lighted a cigarette and sat downbefore
the fire. You understand parrot does not invent talk.
Like some of the rest of us, Eden suggested. On his
perch in the patio, opposite Edens window, Tony was busy with hisown
breakfast.
On every side desert stretches off like floor of
eternity.
The boy strolled idly out into the patio.
Thedeserted, sad little street stretched off to nowhere in each
direction.
Here was Chan playing a novel role, and
hiscomplaint against it was not sincere.
You have made natural error, Chan
answered.
Its only a desert because not many people have
taken the trouble tobore for water.
Well, your manner didnt encourage
confidences.
However, Chanadded, accept my glowing
thanks.
If you want anything, this boy will lookafter you.