I brought out a telegram--" "Go on!" Pink's eyes widened incredulously.

"Don't you try that kind of a load, Andy Green, or I'll just about--" "Oh, you fellows make me sick!" Andy took his elbows off the rail and stood straight.

"Dammit, the telegram's up at the house--go and read it yourselves, then!" The three stared after him doubtfully, fear struggling with the caution born of much experience.
"He don't act, to me, like he was putting up a josh," Weary stated uneasily, after a minute of silence.

"Run up to the house and find out, Cadwalloper.

The Old Man--oh, good Lord!" The tan on Weary's face took a lighter tinge.