Sandy shook his head in mock amazement. “That son of yours sure can stash it away!”
Mike drained half the glass of milk in one gulp and grinned over at them. “A long time ago,” he told them, “I made up my mind never to eat on an empty stomach. That’s why I always have a snack before dinner.” He finished the rest of the milk hastily. “That reminds me. Mom said to clear all these maps out of the dining room. Soup’s almost on.”
Mr. Cook got up and headed for the door to the hallway. “I’ll just have time to place the call. What’s your number, Sandy?”
“Valley 5-3649.”
“Thanks. Mike, you take care of things in here for your mother.”
“Sure ... and hey, Dad!” Mike looked earnestly at his father.
“What?”
“You can sound awfully convincing if you want, so make it good, huh? It’d really be great if Sandy could come along.”
Mr. Cook laughed and disappeared through the door. A moment later the boys heard him dialing the long-distance operator.
“Well?” Mike demanded as he gathered in the scattered maps. “What do you think?”