"Your father is ill at San Antonio and wishes you to come at once. Notify your mother but do not alarm her. Your father's condition is favorable, but the outcome is uncertain.
"Wells, Secretary."
Duane took three telegram blanks from the note-paper rack and wrote:
"My father is ill at San Antonio. They have just wired me, and I shall take the first train. Stand by me now. Win out for my sake. I put you on your honour until I can reach you."
And to his father:
"I leave on first train for San Antonio. It's going to be all right, father."
And to his mother:
"Am leaving for San Antonio because I don't think father is well enough to travel alone. I'll write you and wire you. Love to you and Naïda."
He gave the maid the money, turned, and unhooking the receiver of the telephone, called up the Grand Central Station.