Part 8 (1/2)
”It's true. You had your way about that and drew just as little money as you could. Of course that was an experiment, and I let you have your own way. Now we are on a broader basis and I'm going to have mine.”
”Are you?” challenged Jolly, with twinkling eyes.
”Yes, sir, I am. I shall make a definite new deal all around.”
”Will you?” said Jolly.
”Don't you doubt it. You've been a staunch, helpful friend and it's equal partners, if we come to Seaside Park.”
”That is, you think you are going to make a business man of me?”
”You've been one all along,” vociferated Pep. ”Why, that noise wagon idea alone--”
”A freak,” interrupted Jolly, but Frank was resolute and it was settled that their interesting friend should have a quarter interest in the profits of the new venture.
Frank called Mr. Morton into their confab. He explained to him precisely their plans and the extent of their capital.
”Mrs. Carrington backing you; eh?” he observed. ”That makes you pretty solid, if you only knew it, young man, although I had about made up my mind to accept you as a tenant without any guarantee. Shall we call it settled-you lease the premises until October first, pay me the first month's rent before you come in and give me your word that you won't break the lease?”
”I wouldn't take the place on any other arrangement,” said Frank.
”It's settled, then,” said their landlord, and Pep followed him as he went to the window where the ”To Rent” sign was placed, removed it and began to tear it up. Pep was pretty near dancing. If they had been given a palace he could not have been more pleased.
”S-st!” sounded a sudden hail and the ubiquitous and mysterious Peter Carrington came into evidence just outside the open doorway.
”h.e.l.lo!” challenged Pep, who could not repress his dislike for a fellow who had played the eavesdropper and left a relative to the risk of drowning. ”What you snooping around for?”
”Wanted to see you.”
”All right,” nodded Pep carelessly. ”You don't have to 'S-st' at me regularly to get my attention, though. What's on your mind?”
”I see the rent sign is down.”
”Yes,” proclaimed Pep grandly, ”we have leased the premises.”
”Well, I'm dead gone on being a partner. Aunt Susie discourages me, but I don't care for that. There's an uncle of mine over in Brenton who says he will back me if the thing shows up good, and I want to have a talk with you fellows--”
”Say, we have all the capital we need,” announced Pep.
”Oh, you have?”
”A new partner just came in.”
”Huh!” snorted Peter. ”Say, you don't mean my aunt?”
”She is not a partner, no.”
Peter looked abashed, then disappointed, then angry.