“We’ve kept our agreement, Mr. Walz.”
“At least let me see that map.”
“We’re turning it over to Mr. Warner,” the Scout leader said patiently. “After he gets it, if he wants to he can show it to you or do whatever he pleases. Until then—no.”
Walz suddenly got to his feet, pushing back his chair.
“Okay,” he rasped. “I’m through paying your bills. Settle your own hotel account. I’m finished with you!”
He strode from the dining room.
“Good riddance,” grinned Willie. “We never should have teamed up with him. Wonder how much we owe here?”
“Enough,” Mr. Livingston said, a bit grimly. “We can handle it, though. I half figured on a deal such as this.”
Hurriedly, the Scouts finished breakfast and gathered together their belongings. Jack obtained detailed instructions for reaching Cloud Crest Ranch. Mr. Livingston settled the hotel bill, which was not so high as he had expected, and they drove out of Elks Creek without seeing Walz again.
“We’re finished with him,” War said cheerfully, settling down for a long ride over a rutty road. “What did you learn about Warner, Jack?”