“Well,” said Whittaker thoughtfully, “you might go on to West Boyd. Fifteen miles straight down the road. There’s a good inn there, the Thorndike. Oh, but hang it, you haven’t got a car!”
“Can’t I rent one here?”
Whittaker shook his head. “Take mine, old chap!” he said generously. “I don’t need it. I’ll telephone my man to bring out the other to-morrow morning.”
Stacey hesitated.
“Sure! Sure! Go ahead! I’m all for helping young lovers. Need money?”
“No, I’ve got my check-book. I suppose they’ll cash a check here.”
Whittaker nodded. “I’ll endorse it. They know me.” He laughed again. “What a lark!”
“Oh!” said Stacey suddenly, “one thing! Keep Minnie quiet! Don’t want to let Ethel know I had this planned before I met her.”
Before long Ames rose, staggering, his face livid. “ ’Scuse me,” he said thickly, “jus’ minute.”
“He’s going to be sick, I guess,” said Minnie delightedly, watching him lurch across the crowded room toward the door. “But, gee! Mr. Carroll, you—”