"Excess of sound has no weight with me, Mr. Parker," their host
announced. "The 'Ayes' have it, and it is so ordered. I will now submit
a platform for the approval of the delegates. Having established myself
as host and won recognition as such, the following rules and regulations
will govern the convention."
"Hear! Hear!" cried Mrs. Parker, and tapped the table with her spoon.
"The rapid ringing of a bell will be the signal for meals."
"Approved!" cried Kay.
"Second the motion!" shrilled her mother.
"My cook, Carolina, is queen of the kitchen, and Spanish cuisine will
prevail. When you weary of it, serve notice, and your Japanese cook will
be permitted to vary the monotony."
"Great!" Mrs. Parker almost yelled. "Right as a fox!"
"Murray shall serve meals, and--"
Pablo appeared in the door leading to the kitchen and spoke to Farrel in
Spanish.
"Pardon, folks. Pablo has a telegram for me. Bring it here, Pablo."
The master of Palomar excused himself to his guests long enough to read
the telegram, and then continued the announcement of his platform.
"My old battery commander, to whom I had promised Panchito, wires me
that, for his sins, he has been made a major and ordered to the Army of
Occupation on the Rhine. Therefore, he cannot use Panchito, and forbids
me to express the horse to him. Consequently, Miss Parker, Panchito is
_almost_ yours.
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