There was a moment's questioning pause, for it was too early for visitors.

The pattering feet of the little maid, Mary, approached the door and next moment a boyish voice demanded: "Is Mr.Merrick at home, or the young ladies, or--" "Why, it's Ajo!" shouted Patsy, springing to her feet and making a dive for the hallway.
"Jones ?" said Mr.Merrick, looking incredulous.
"It must be," declared Beth, for now Patsy's voice was blended with that of the boy in a rapid interchange of question and answer.

Then in she came, dragging him joyously by the arm.
"This is certainly a surprise!" said Mr.Merrick, shaking the tall, slender youth by the hand with evident pleasure.
"When did you get to town ?" asked Beth, greeting the boy cordially.
"And why didn't you let us know you were on the way from far-off Los Angeles ?" "Well," said Jones, seating himself facing them and softly rubbing his lean hands together to indicate his satisfaction at this warm reception, "it's a long, long story and I may as well tell it methodically or you'll never appreciate the adventurous spirit that led me again to New York--the one place I heartily detest." "Oh, Ajo!" protested Patsy.

"Is this the way to retain the friendship of New Yorkers ?" "Isn't honesty appreciated here ?" he wanted to know.
"Go ahead with your story," said Uncle John.

"We left you some months ago at the harbor of Los Angeles, wondering what you were going to do with that big ship of yours that lay anchored in the Pacific.