“Came up to study the vegetation,” Bob replied firmly.
“Yeh. Well now, that’s nice. Where do you hail from?” Jim’s foot sought his step-brother’s, but Caldwell did not feel the pressure.
“Texas,” he answered, and immediately he wished he hadn’t been quite so specific.
“Couple of flying cowboys. Well, you’ll never know how glad we are to find you here,” the man sneered.
“Oh, don’t mention it,” Caldwell answered with a cheerful grin, but both of the boys were wondering what new mischief was afoot.
“I won’t mention it outside of our little circle of friends here,” the fellow promised. “Nobody’ll ever be able to say we run across you in these parts. It’ll be our little secret.” He turned to his companions. “Remember that, men, this happy meeting aint to be whispered to any naughty inquirer.”
“Sure. Now, give us the dope.”
“It’s the—as I said before, THE kids we need in our business, see! Be sure you see, and hear.”
“Gee, aint we got luck!”
“The Don’s own little pets.”