Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/255

 In there! Consuelo announced, pointing towards the window.

In there! Why there's nobody in there!

Yes, he is, with his head on the table.

That can't be Gunnar. That fellow's drunk.

Gunnar is drunk, she affirmed positively. He was drunk when he came to the gymnasium. That's why I couldn't talk to him there! That's why I can't talk to him now!

Well, what do you propose to do?

It's enough to be near him, but I think I'll stay here until he is sober.

You might have to wait a week.

I know, and Miss Graves is so impatient. Can't you persuade her to be sensible?

Paul, on reflection, came to the conclusion that this task might prove difficult. I'll tell you what I'll do, he said. I'll go inside and talk to him.

That's a splendid suggestion, Consuelo agreed, and I'll go with you.

Paul remembered Wintergreen. No, Consuelo, he protested, that won't do. You say yourself that he's intoxicated. Did you bring a car?

Pointing to a taxi, parked in the automobile shed, Consuelo said. That's mine.

Jump in then, and wait until I see what can be done.

You promise to come back?

Of course, I'll come back.