"Yes," replied Skinski; "and a nice old man, too, is Mr. William
Grey.'
"Where the devil did you meet Mr. Grey?" Bunch inquired excitedly.
"Back, back up!" said Skinski quietly; "I didn't disgrace my family. Mr. Peter Grant introduced me to him as your Uncle and I made good."
"You met Uncle Peter, too!" I asked in alarm.
"Surest thing you know," said Skinski; "but, don't worry. The
Jefferson family tree will never be blown down by any hot air from
me, so rest easy. Now, let's get down to cases about our opening
Thursday night."
Bunch and I were both puzzled by Skinski's peculiar line of talk, but we forgot it and completed all the details for the opening the next night.
It was after eight o'clock when I reached home, and Peaches met me at the door with the face lights on full.
"Now for the secret!" she chirped, as she dragged me into the diningroom.
"Make mine a small one," I admonished; "I've had a busy day."
"This is a cure for all your business worries," she gurgled.
"Guess what, John! We sail for Europe next Wednesday!"