Tracy's boots came down from the table with a thud, and he jumped up, uttering an exclamation and looking astounded.
"Well, may I be derned!" he said, staring at Frank.
Now Merriwell was not at all pleased to find the foreman making free in his cabin in such a manner.
"What's the matter, Tracy?" he asked sharply, glancing from Jim's face to that of Anson, who seemed no less confounded. "You seem disturbed."
"I allow I didn't expect ye back so soon," mumbled the foreman, who could not recover his composure at once.
"But I told you I might be back in a few hours, or I might not return for many days."
"I know, but——"
"But what?"
"Oh, nothing!"