Of course Tom kept his appointment punctually the next morning. He was too anxious about the engagement to risk losing it by any negligence.
About a quarter after ten Mr. Burnett lounged into the hotel office.
“You are on hand, I see,” he said, taking an armchair near the settee on which Tom was sitting.
“Yes, sir.”
“I have seen my friend about the little matter I spoke of yesterday,” said Mr. Burnett, “but I find he won’t be ready to start for California for four weeks.”
Tom’s countenance fell. He had been buoyed up by the thought of the engagement, and now all seemed to be over.
Percy Burnett watched our hero’s expressive face, and read his disappointment.
He proceeded:
“I thought at first that we should have to give up our plan,” he said, “but on second thoughts I may still be able to carry it out.”
Tom’s face brightened.