He stood in thought a moment on the steps and then he jotted down:
“Beautiful young daughter of P. D. McPherson on guard over father. Inherits famous disposition. Declares that her father will win. Intimates that he, not his hitherto victorious opponent, will go to Chicago——”
At this juncture, and while he was jotting down the notes anent Hilda McPherson, Cheerio came up the steps and crossed the verandah toward the front door, followed by Sandy, who, much to the bitter indignation of his sister, was once again the Englishman’s satellite and admirer.
“Good evening,” said the reporter, cordially.
“Hello!” returned the unsuspicious Cheerio, and returned the grip of the newspaper man’s hand.
“I wonder if you could give me some information about this Englishman who’s playing opposite Mr. P. D. McPherson for the Western Championship and——”
“Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what f-f-for?” stammered Cheerio, taken aback by the question.
“I’m from the Calgary Blizzard and——”
“G-g-g-good God!”
“If you know the man who——”