During the time which Mr. Dalken and his two associates had to devote to interviews and business conferences with men of affairs in Phœnix, the girls and Jack enjoyed tennis and golf at the Country Club; cards of introduction for them had been presented by a bank president, who was deeply interested in the South American plan of development.
Finally Mr. Dalken announced that he had finished his business in Arizona and was ready to go on to California.
“At last!” sighed Polly, for whom this entire trip meant a visit to the Golden Gate State.
“To hear you, one might think you expected to meet your fate in California,” laughed Jack, as the train started for Cadiz, where they would continue on the Santa Fé lines to Los Angeles.
“Maybe she will—Tom Latimer will meet us there,” announced Mr. Dalken.
“No! Really?” cried Eleanor, anxiously watching Mr. Dalken’s face to learn if any one else might be expected to meet them in California.
“Yes, Tom writes he will be on hand shortly after we arrive. And I also heard from a few other young engineers to whom I extended an invitation to join Mr. Fuzzier’s party to South America. I have received acceptances from several of these. I wonder if you girls will care to meet Paul Stewart—Anne’s brother, you know? I haven’t seen him since he visited my apartment that winter, and was the cause of Jack’s jealous feud.”
Jack and Polly laughed at the remembrance, but Eleanor eagerly exclaimed: “Well, what about him?”
“Why, he is going with Fuzzy, to show what is in him. I, personally, believe he will turn out to be one of our most valuable young men down there. Anyway, he will have the chance of his life.”
“Oh, goody! goody!” cried Eleanor, clapping her hands excitedly.