The boys told Mr. Seabury of Mr. Blowitz, and their host advised them to be careful about entering into any arrangement with the man.
“I don’t know him,” he said, “but I have heard from different persons here that there is something queer about him. However, he may only want some favor that you can easily do.”
Shortly before five o’clock the three boys started to keep their appointment with Carson Blowitz. Professor Snodgrass had not succeeded in finding any horned toads, and announced his intention of making a search near the bed of a dried-up river that evening, as he had heard there were some there. The girls were too tired to care for further excursions that afternoon, and they remained on the shady veranda, as the boys started off.
“I wonder what Blowitz can want?” mused Ned, as he and his chums neared the chocolate pavilion.
“We’ll soon know,” said Jerry.
CHAPTER XVIII.
WHAT MR. BLOWITZ WANTED
The boys found Mr. Carson Blowitz in the little courtyard of the pavilion, calmly sipping some cold chocolate.
“Ah, you are right on time, I see,” he remarked, as pleasantly as he could. “That’s what I like, boys. It shows your American spirit. Bright, hustling lads, all of you. Just the kind I have been looking for.”
“Did you want to see us on business?” asked Jerry, for he did not care for the man’s too obvious flattery.
“Yes, I did, but first let me order some chocolate for you. It is a hot day and you’ll feel better after it. I never talk business unless I am eating, or drinking something like chocolate or lemonade. It calms the nerves.”