The young man had gone out very early and neither had returned.

Could he do anything else for her?
Mary V thanked him coldly and hung up the receiver, mentally calling the clerk names that were not flattering.

Why in the world did he keep harping on that one fact that Johnny had gone out and had not come back?
Why didn't he know where Johnny had gone?
What, for gracious sake, was a hotel clerk for, if not to tell a person what she wanted to know?
The strange young man who had slept in Johnny's room meant nothing at all to Mary V just then.
She had a dislike of creating unnecessary excitement, but it did seem as though something ought to be done about Johnny.

All her faith was pinned to the fact that he had let her final word stand uncontradicted; he had not told her he would not come.

She went outside and stared for awhile in the direction of Tucson, turning with a little start when her mother spoke just behind her.
"Did Johnny tell you he was coming, Mary V ?" "My goodness, mom! Of _course_, he--well, it was just the same as saying he would.