The kind lady looked disappointed at the suggestion. In her free-hearted way she wished to trust Frank without restriction. He saw that her feelings were hurt and he hastened to say:
“My partners will feel ever so much better to have everything arranged in a regular way and set down in black and white.”
“Very well, have your own way, Mr. Durham,” said the lady, “only promise to come to me if you have any troubles or further lack of funds.”
“Oh, we shall not,” declared Frank, brightening with courage and confidence as he saw all obstructions to the success of the new show removed; and before he realized it, in his quick, vivid way he was reciting his plans and prospects in detail. Frank told more than he had started out to do, for the reason that every time he paused his auditors plied him with new questions and urged him on with his story.
“How very, very interesting,” commented Mrs. Carrington.
“It is simply delightful!” declared Miss Porter, with sparkling eyes. “Oh, dear! it must be such a splendid thing to be a boy!”
“I must see your young friends,” insisted Mrs. Carrington. “I owe them sincere thanks for their part in the rescue, and wish to tell them so.”
There was nothing for it but that Frank should go for his chums. Randy was naturally bashful in the presence of strange ladies, but Pep was “all there.” Both Mrs. Carrington and Miss Porter were interested in the lively lad whom they attracted from the start and made Pep feel completely at home with his impetuous, original ways and remarks.
The boys promised to call upon Mrs. Carrington as soon as they got settled at Seaside Park. Then all three escorted the visitors to an automobile waiting at the curb. Beside the chauffeur they found Peter Carrington seated. He nodded familiarly to the chums. Then he caught Pep’s eye.
With an air of great importance and a quick glance at his aunt and her companion, as if making sure that they were not observing him, he placed a finger to his lips.