And say! put
these number plates in your pocket, and take off the ones on the
car. I bought these of a fellow that had a smash--they'll do
for the trip. Put them on, will you? She's wise to the car
number, of course. Put the plates you take off under the seat
cushion; don't leave 'em. Be just as careful as if it was a
life-and-death matter, will you? I've got a big deal on, down
there,and I don't want her spilling the beans just to satisfy a
grudge--which she would do in a minute. So don't fail to be at
the ferry, parked so you can slide out easy. Get down there by
that big gum sign. I'll find you, all right."
"I'll be there." Bud thrust the key and another ten dollars into
his pocket and turned away.
"And don't say anything--"
"Do I look like an open-faced guy?"
The man laughed. "Not much, or I wouldn't have picked you for
the trip." He hurried down to the depot platform, for his train
was already whistling, farther down the yards.
Bud looked after him, the corners of his mouth taking their
normal, upward tilt. It began to look as though luck had not
altogether deserted him, in spite of the recent blow it had
given. He slid the wrapped number plates into the inside pocket
of his overcoat, pushed his hands deep into his pockets, and
walked up to the cheap hotel which had been his bleak substitute
for a home during his trouble.
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