“We did, my boy. I almost forgot that you were out there. What do you think of business meetings?”
“This one looked to me like a warm party. Do you believe that those fellows are responsible for the attacks on you?”
“Yes, I do. Before they knew that I was here, they telephoned Mr. De Castro urging that everything be taken up tonight. That pleased us greatly, and when we came into the room, the pair of them looked at me as if they thought I were a ghost. They thought they had everything their own way and it maddened them to be taken so by surprise,” he answered.
“We turned on them the surprise elements of the meeting,” Mr. De Castro smiled, then added, “You boys are not aware that it is nearly morning and time young heads were on pillows.”
“I’m happy that it is over, my father, but I am sure that you will need to be cautious. The Alonzos are not going to take kindly to their defeat,” Carlos declared solemnly. He kissed his father quite naturally, to the surprise of the Texas boys, then Jim remembered that these people were more demonstrative than in northern countries. Not to be outdone he kissed his own father, and Mr. Austin accepted the salute, then turned and embraced Bob.
“Frolicking frogs, but I’m glad you could get here,” Caldwell declared, and didn’t even flush at the demonstration.
“I am particularly grateful to you two for getting me here. Now, as Peter says, it is time heads, both young and not so young, were on pillows,” Mr. Austin told them.
“Shall we stay over tomorrow?” Jim wanted to know.
“I think probably it will be necessary for me to stay several days, my boy. Things we took up tonight need to be carried through and I should not care to leave all the responsibility to my friends.”
“That is splendid. We shall pay the visit to Amy-Ran,” Carlos declared with delight. “It will be a pleasure to show you something which is magnificent.” It did not take long for the household to quiet down for the balance of the night. Before they finally turned in, Bob was frowning seriously.