But Allan came back at last, and as he caught sight of their anxious faces, he laughed outright.
“No, it’s not a wreck,” he said, “and I’m not fired.”
He sat down, and the others waited. If it was anything he could tell them, they knew he would. If it was official business, they did not wish to question him.
“The fact is,” he went on, slowly, Mamie’s face with evident amusement, “a very unusual thing has happened.”
“Oh, Allan!” Mamie burst out, “if you’re going to tell us, please hurry and do it.”
“A very unusual thing,” Allan proceeded with provoking deliberation. “You know I told you that Mr. Hayes is going to Springfield.”
“Yes,” said Mamie, encouragingly, bouncing in her seat.
“Ain’t he goin’?” asked Jack.
“Oh, yes; he’s going. He went this afternoon. But the fact is, Goodwood don’t want his job.”
“Why?”