CHAPTER XX

In the morning Mellenger was gone. He left a note to Dan explaining that he had received a sudden and wholly unexpected call to return to San Francisco and begged Dan to present his compliments to the ladies and to express his regret at an unceremonious departure. “The man’s a poor slave,” Dan declared. Tamea, who had been at his elbow as he read, inquired: “Who?” “Mellenger. He has left us.” “Ah,” Tamea breathed—thoughtfully. After a brief silence she said: “Then Maisie will have an opportunity to play with you. I…