So John Junior rushed upstairs and, after an incredibly short period, during which we must suppose that he went through some sort of an operation which he regarded as sufficient, he appeared again, slid down the balusters like lightning, landed at the bottom with an appalling thump, and ran into the dining-room. "Guess I can talk now," he announced, taking his chair by the back and sliding it under him. "I was hurrying home, so's not to be late to supper, when I came up behind the Carlings. They--Letty ain't here, is she?" he added, looking about doubtfully. "No," Mrs. Upjohn replied. "You know that Letty won't come again for more than a month." "Huh!" growled John Junior. "She will if she feels like it. Never can tell when she'll be here. She's always here." Mrs. Upjohn was a little slow about taking anything in. She had been puzzling over John's former speech and had just the full import of it. "Did you say the Carlings, John?" she asked. "I don't see how that can be, for Harry's in Cambridge." "He ain't either," John replied amiably. "Don't you s'pose I'd know those freaks? I guess I would." "Well," said Mrs. Upjohn doubtfully. "And they were talking together," John continued, "or trying to talk. They didn't know I was behind 'em, and I kept still as I could so's I could hear what they said. They ought to have an interpreter. But I got most of it, and then I slid out for fear they'd see me. What d'you s'pose they were talking about?" "I'm sure I don't know," said Mrs. Upjohn curiously. "What?" John kept his mother in suspense while he disposed of his mouthful. He swallowed twice, then took a drink of water. At last he was ready and he looked at his mother, suspending operations for that purpose. "Charlie Ladue's a gambler," he announced abruptly. "What!" Mrs. Upjohn exclaimed. But she was pleased in spite of herself. What would Letty say to that? "Are you sure you heard it right?" "'Course I'm sure." "Well, John, I'm grieved to hear it. You must be careful not to talk about it." "'Course I won't talk about it. I'll stop now if you want me to." "No," said Mrs. Upjohn judicially. "No, I think you ought to tell me all you heard. How long has it been going on and where does Charlie go?" So John Junior retailed at some length all that he had heard, rather to the neglect of his supper. Certain important details were lacking and he had to fill them in from his imaginings, which were rather defective as to the points under discussion. "Well," said Mrs. Upjohn, when the recital and the supper were both finished, "I think somebody ought to be told. I don't just like to tell Sally, but she ought to know." "They didn't want to tell Sally either. Horry Carling's in her office and he could tell her easy enough if he wanted to."