"Come an' git it."
The three started on the run for the dining room, their youthful spirits rebounding from the depressing scene in the room they had just quit in answer to the tang of a perfect day and the cook's breakfast call. Bob suddenly halted with an exclamation.
"How about Dad?"
"Oh, he's too busy to miss his breakfast," said Frank. "Anyhow, we can get the cook to put up something for him."
"Yes, I'll speak to Pete about it," said Jack. "Come on."
They ate hungrily with little conversation. Pete hovered near and his presence restrained them from talking about the topic that was uppermost in their minds.
"How about taking a look at the radio plant?" asked Jack when they had ended breakfast.
The others agreed eagerly. They were in the act of leaving the table when Mr. Temple appeared. They crowded about him with questions.
"Easy, easy there," he protested. "I'm hungry as a hunter. Suppose you boys wait outside for me while I get a bite, and then I'll join you."
When Mr. Temple emerged, he lighted a cigar and leaned against a pillar. The boys stood about him. For several moments he was silent, staring out over the expanse of desert to the hills beyond, all shimmering beneath the heat of the summer sun.