"And a good riddance!" muttered the showman rising. "This will
be a good time for me to look over the books and find out what
shape the car is in."
Mr. Sparling pressed an electric button, and Henry, the porter,
responded to the summons.
"Has Mr. Forrest returned yet?"
"No, sir."
"Is Mr. Conley out there?"
"Yes, sir."
"Send him in."
Billy entered the stateroom, a broad smile on his face.
"Sit down, Billy. Well, our friend has gone. I suppose you
are sorry?"
"On the contrary," replied Billy promptly, "I am tickled
half to death. Now we'll be able to do some real work!
We'll show you what we can do! By the way, Mr. Sparling,
are you intending to carry out the plan you told me about
this morning?"
"Yes. You will have a chance next year."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now, we will go over the books together. I shall have to ask
you some questions as we go along. Please first tell the porter
to send Phil and Teddy in when they return, but not to tell them
who is here."
Billy went out and gave the showman's orders to the porter.
As it chanced there were none of the other men of the crew
on board the car at that time. They knew nothing about the
change that was taking place.
Upon Billy's return he and his chief settled down to a busy few
minutes of going over books and reports.
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