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Forrest entered a section of the Big House by way of a massive, hewn- timber, iron-studded door that let in at the foot of what seemed a donjon keep The floor was ce to a Chinese in the white apron and starched cap of a chef, emitted at the same time the low hum of a dynaht path He paused, holding the door ajar, and peered into a cool, electric-lighted celass-shelved refrigerator flanked by an ice-reasy overalls, squatted a greasy little , Thompson?" he asked

"There was," was the answer, positive and coe that was like a tunnel Narrow, iron-barred openings, like the slits for archers in ave access to a long, low rooed, with a fireplace in which an ox could have been roasted A huge stuhtly Two billiard tables, several card tables, lounging corners, and a

"Good , Mr Naismith," he bantered "--More ish lasses, smiled sheepishly and cocked his head at his coed me," he explained

"Which ," Forrest laughed

Young Wainwright bristled to acceptance of the challenge, but before he could utter the retort on his lips his host wasNais at eleven:thirty? Thayer and I are running out in the machine to look over the Shropshires He wants about ten carloads of raood stuff in this --Seen Thayer this ," Bert Wainwright volunteered

"Tell him to be ready at eleven-thirty if you see hiirls are sure to be up then"

"Take Rita along with you anyway," Bert pleaded

"No fear," was Forrest's reply from the door "We're on business Besides, you can't pry Rita from Ernestine with block-and-tackle"

"That's why I wanted to see if you could," Bert grinned