“Jack Wilkinson, did you say?” exclaimed Ted Fisher, shaking Jack’s hand. “Why, I remember that name well. You were John’s side-partner in several other enterprises. Now, what are you two up to? I hope you’ll surrender yourselves to my tender mercies for this evening, at least.”
“We’re yours for this evening, Ted, with pleasure,” acquiesced John. “And we are depending on you to get that car for us.”
“Yes, I think I can do that. Let’s go; I have my own outside.”
When they were in the car, he asked:
“Do you mind telling what you want the car for, or is it a secret?”
John looked at Jack, who nodded his head approvingly; and they proceeded to outline their plans, without divulging any names.
“Some adventure!” remarked John’s friend. “I wish I could go with you myself!”
They stopped before a public garage and entered the office where a man sat working at a roll-top desk. He rose respectfully when he recognized their companion.
“Good evening, Captain. What can I do for you?”
“Tom, here are two very good friends of mine, Mr. Hadley and Mr. Wilkinson. They must have a car for a week or so. And Tom, Mr. Hadley is a cracker-jack automobile man, and I know for a fact that he would take better care of a machine than I would; so I want you to let him have the one I used while mine was being overhauled. I’ll guarantee that it will come back to you in as good shape as when it leaves.”