“Why do you say ‘you’?” Doug demanded. “You’re going along, aren’t you?”
“I can’t,” Johnny said soberly. “Grandfather has some government work to do, looking after the loaning of money. I’ve got to drive for him. Anyway, I’m not needed. Besides—”
He did not finish. He was about to say, “Besides, there’s that missing Chinaman, Tao Sing, the Federal agents, and the thought-camera. I’ve got to see that thing through.” He did not say it.
“Besides what?” Doug asked.
“Oh nothing,” Johnny countered. “I’ll not be with you, that’s all. Goggles and his mechanical pal will have to go along. Those, with the team, will give the airplane a pretty good load.”
“Meggy,” Johnny said that same afternoon, “why didn’t the ‘Prince’ come today?”
“That,” Meggy whispered, “is just what I asked Uncle Rob. And do you know what he said?”
“No. What?”
“He said,” Meggy whispered, “the ‘Prince’ is afraid! Afraid of what, Johnny?”
“I—I think I know,” Johnny said slowly. “But I’m not quite sure. Sup—supposing I don’t answer until I know?”