While the clerk paused to stare at him curiously, Merry considered. If his uncle was at Orton, he must be expecting his father to meet him there. But Frank Merriwell, senior, had returned home on the late train! And Dick had stated that it was very important, so there was but one thing to do.
“Clan hasn’t waked up yet,” thought Chip, “so I guess I won’t disturb him. I’ll go down and see if I can get that garage machine, and if it’s taken then I can rouse up Clancy and get the Hornet buzzing.”
He turned to the clerk, with quick decision, shoving the telegram into his pocket.
“Yes, I just received a telegram——” he stopped, remembering the admonition in that telegram. “But, by the way, I’d rather you wouldn’t say anything to any one about my going to Orton, will you?”
“Sure not,” assented the clerk at once.
“Tell Clancy that I’ll be back before noon,” went on Merry, turning. “I’ll get a car if I can, and be back by then, easily. Much obliged to you!”
“You got a good morning for the trip,” called the clerk after him. “Good luck!”
Chip waved his hand in return, and walked down the street toward the garage. He glanced about for the messenger, but doubtless the man had returned to the station, and he sighed.
“I see where I don’t get that early swim this morning! Well, that’s what comes of a fellow having a family!”
And with a whimsical grimace he saw the garage ahead of him. In front was an old-fashioned but comfortable-looking car, with a young fellow busily engaged in washing it off.