“Why, didn’t you?” Holloway asked blankly.
“I did not.”
“All I know is that I heard the clock strike an extra stroke,” Holloway explained. “I thought it was queer to be having another meeting so soon. Then I found Charley wasn’t here—”
“Charley not here!” the Master exclaimed.
“He must have stepped out somewhere. The lights were on, and the door partly open.”
“I don’t like this,” the Master said, his voice harsh. “Charley has no right to call a meeting without a special order from me. It is becoming increasingly dangerous for us to gather here.”
“Now you’re talking!” Holloway nodded. “Anthony Parker of the Star is on the warpath again. One of his reporters has been prying into the books of the County Cooperative.”
“He’ll learn nothing from that source, I trust.”
“Not enough to do any harm.”
“You act as though you had a grievance, Holloway. Any complaints?”