“I’m ready right now,” said big Bob, melodramatically leaping to his feet and grabbing the doorknob. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Mr. Temple laughed, and Inspector Burton joined him.
“Not so fast,” he said. “When you leave New Mexico for home, you can go by way of Washington. That will be time enough. In fact, I’ll have to precede you to arrange matters.”
After some discussion, the chums went out to wander around Santa Barbara, leaving Mr. Temple and the Secret Service man to make the necessary arrangements as to time, etc., for their proposed trip to Washington.
“Come on. Let’s go down to the beach for a plunge,” said Bob. “That’s the only way I can get this exuberance out of my system.”
[CHAPTER XXIX—A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE]
Jack, Frank and Bob reached Washington alone, Mr. Temple, weeks before, having left them in New Mexico to return to New York.
“You fellows have given me the longest and most exciting vacation from business that I ever had,” he said, on leaving them at the Hampton ranch. “Little did I think I would be involved in international intrigue on the border or engaged in breaking up a tremendous smuggling ring. But I’m too old for all this excitement, although you youngsters seem to flourish on it.”
“Old,” protested Bob. “Why, Dad, you look fitter after all our experiences than for years.”
Mr. Temple’s eyes twinkled.