“Yes.” Gloria had heard nothing but contest for days and she also knew the interest prevalent. “I’ll phone right away, or is this a good time?”
“Yes, I begged Miss Taylor not to write to Steppy till after supper so you will head her off. It will cost a couple of dollars to phone but don’t forget I’m rich, horribly, disgustingly rich, I believe.” After a pause Jack said, “and just reverse the charge, Steppy will love to pay it. Dad was always just as simple as—as any of his men, and I guess I can have a good time without putting on airs, myself.” This was distinctly Jack, the pout, the quirked smile and the final smack of her rather boyish lips. “But do try, honey, to keep Steppy away. When I’m well I can restrain her, but caged up here, I can just imagine the girls waylaying her and she would be sure to give them the family history unabridged.”
“I’ll do my best,” promised Gloria, getting out just in time to let Miss Taylor enter.
The office phone was not safe enough to use for the private message, so with Trixy and an evening walk as an excuse, Gloria started off for the village to telephone Mrs. Philip Corday concerning the condition of her stepdaughter, Jacquinot.
But Gloria had no conception of the enormity of the task assigned her.
Mrs. Corday was, by no means, an ordinary woman.
CHAPTER XI
A NEW ANGLE
There was no time to repeat to Trixy the story Jack had told Gloria, but the “high spots” could not be suppressed even temporarily so Gloria repeatedly told those on her way to the village.
“And that explains the riders’ mystery,” she commented. “You see this treasure business is supposed to be hidden in some wild mountain place.”