"No," declined Phil. "I'm going home. Good night."
He left Herbert there, lighting a cigarette and coughing hollowly.
CHAPTER XXIII.
HOOKER BREAKS WITH RACKLIFF.
Passing Hooker's home on his way down into the village Thursday evening, Rackliff saw a light in the carriage house, which led him to fancy he might find Roy there. In this he was not mistaken; Hooker was puttering over his motorcycle by the light of a lantern. Hearing a footstep on the gravel outside, he looked up and perceived the visitor entering by the open door.
"Hello," said Herbert.
"Hello," grunted Hooker, without any effort at cordiality or welcome.
"Tinkering with that old thing again, I see," coughed Rackliff.
"Thanks to you, I am."