"No: can't wait for them. I'll go down to the club and get some fellows I can rely on. We'll go on horses and mules. We had better not alarm the women."
"We must tell them something. Better out with it, I think. They'll only think it worse than it is if they see we're keeping something back."
"Couldn't be worse. Well, perhaps you are right; but don't let 'em see we're put about."
"All right. Give me a cigar."
They strolled into the other room smoking, showing no trace of their anxiety. Mrs. Gillespie looked up quickly as her husband entered, but only said--
"Come, your coffee is poured out and getting cold."
"My own growing, ma'am," said Mr. Gillespie to Mrs. Burtenshaw, as he took his cup, "and I hope you like it."
"Mother couldn't say she doesn't, could she?" said Helen archly. "I like it very much."
"Helen speaks for us all," said Mrs. Burtenshaw. "Well, what does John say?"
"Any news of the failed B.A.?" asked Joe.