"It's the cable from father—I've decoded it."
"Hello," his voice came sharper. "I knew darned well you were lying to me earlier in the evening. What is it?"
"The business has been sold," I said, waiting to hear what the effect would be.
There was a moment's pause; then his voice came steady. "I'm glad to hear it, kid. I guess that means your uncle Dudley is out of a job."
"No, it doesn't," I cut in, a little regretful that I had teased him. "I'm instructed to pay you a bonus of five per cent of the net proceeds over and above your salary. Looks as if my father thought enough of you to put you on something else."
There was another pause—so long a one that Central almost cut us off.
"Listen, kid," came Knowlton's voice, when vigorous protests from us both had restored connection again. "What did you cable your father early this afternoon?"
"None of your darned business," I replied. "How did you know I cabled him?"
"The auburn haired little bird whispered it to me when she told me about the reply that came." I could almost feel Knowlton's grin travelling over the wire to me. "What did you say?"
"It's a long story. I'll tell you in the morning."