He was about to plunge a spoon into the fragrant, cool melon when he saw a folded note by his plate. Opening it he read:
"Dear Ned: Good luck and good voyage. The roses are from my own garden. Bring me a turquoise ring. MARY HOPE."
It was from Alan's sister.
"Shall we do it, Alan?" he cried.
"Shall we?" answered Alan wringing his chum's hand. "We'll do it or—"
"Is you all ready for dis?" asked the young chef suddenly appearing with a smoking broiled steak. "It can't wait no longer."
And it did not have to.
An hour later the two happy boys sat on either side of the table in the drawing room of their car.
"Are you getting nervous?" began Alan.
"About what?" asked Ned.