"It must be something about the hotel fire.

What can it be?
At any rate, I'll wager it's something that pleases my chum wonderfully." Nor did Tom return until late in the afternoon.

He came back alone.
"Well ?" demanded Harry.
"Yes," nodded Tom.

"It's well." "What is ?" "The game." "What is the game ?" "When you hear about it--" Reade began.
"Yes, yes--" "Then you'll know." "Tom Reade, do you know, I believe I'm quite ready and willing to thrash you ?" cried Harry in exasperation.
"Please don't," Tom begged.
"Then tell me what you've been so mightily mysterious about." "I will," returned Reade.

"I'd have told you hours ago, Harry, only I'm afraid you would have been demoralized with disappointment if the thing had failed to go through.