The Mayor coughed.

The avuncular Woods gazed abstractedly at a large cactus.

Even Paul, prepared by previous experience, stopped short.
"Colonel Pendleton! Oh, do tell me all about him!" flashed out Yerba, suddenly, with clasped hands and eager girlish breath.
Paul cast a quick grateful glance at the girl.

Whether assumed or not, her enthusiastic outburst was effective.

The Mayor looked uneasily at Woods, and turned to Paul.
"Ah, yes! You and he are original co-trustees.