"It wouldn't be good for people to know about it," Pringle burst out.
"I don't understand," the Chief faltered. Then desperately, "Look, fellows. I've given you a lotta leeway. You've sluffed your work something terrible. That's all right to an extent. I've covered for you."
"Thanks, Chief," Kenzie said drily.
"But Old Rock—er—the General Manager," the Chief complained, "knows I've been working on something. Now what with budgets coming on, and all, I gotta have something to show!"
"You've been working on something—" Pringle exclaimed.
"I mean my department has," the Chief covered himself hastily. "I'm responsible for what goes on in my department, you know. I gotta have some kind of an explanation." He was almost wailing now. "What with budgets coming on, and all."
"Make up your own explanation," Kenzie answered disinterestedly. "It's a cinch you can't give out with the real one."
The Chief began to wheedle. "You two boys know the explanation. Why can't you tell me? This is your Chief who's talking, boys. The one who has always stood by you and covered for you. Remember? You just gotta tell me, boys." I saw Pringle and Kenzie look at one another.
"I guess he's right, Ken," Pringle said. "That is, if he promises never to tell anybody."
"Yeah. I guess so." Kenzie nodded his head in agreement. "We owe him that much for just letting us alone."