Crossed Trails in MexicoMexican Mystery Stories #3
a chair against it to hold it in place."After a few minutes had passed and no one had come to investigate, Jo Ann
breathed more freely. Just as she was complimenting herself on coming to
the finishing touches of her pressing, there came a sudden knocking at
the door. Jo Ann was petrified. Was it the manager? She shook her head
vigorously at Peggy, who was starting to open the door.The next moment the door was rattled violently. Simultaneously the panel
banged down again.From the hall there sounded a woman's shrill voice."Miss Prudence!" the girls gasped."Open the door this instant, Peg, and get her inside before someone else
comes," Jo Ann ordered.The moment Miss Prudence stepped inside and saw Jo Ann perched on top of
the bed, ironing, she stared in amazement. As soon as she had recovered
from her first surprise, she burst out, "What does this mean? Don't you
know it's against the rules to iron in your room? I've never stayed in a
hotel anywhere that allowed ironing in the rooms. We'll get in trouble
yet--besides having to pay extra money. You'd better stop this instant.""But I'm most through now," Jo Ann replied meekly. "In a few minutes I'll
have my dress finished.""But just suppose the manager should knock on the door and catch you on
top of the bed like this?"As Miss Prudence was still worrying when Florence had finished dressing,
she decided to see for herself what the hotel rules said about ironing.
She walked over and began glancing at the printed rules hanging on the
wall by the telephone.A few moments later she stopped reading and burst into peals of laughter.
"Oh, girls!" she exclaimed after she had checked her mirth a little.
"This is rich! Funniest thing I've ever heard. The rules say----" She
stopped and broke into uncontrollable laughter again.Peggy ran over to read the rule that was causing Florence so much
amusement. Then she too began to laugh, stopping only long enough to
exclaim, "Oh--this is killing!""What's the joke? What on earth does that say?" Jo Ann demanded.Peggy checked her laughter long enough to answer, "It says when a
guest--wishes to iron--to call the office, and ironing board--and iron'll
be sent up immediately."Jo Ann's jaw dropped, as did Miss Prudence's. Their expressions were so
ridiculous that Florence and Peggy continued laughing till the tears
rolled down their cheeks.After an amazed, "And to think I could've had a real iron and board for
the asking!" Jo Ann began laughing equally merrily.They were all still smiling broadly several minutes later when they went
down to the lobby to meet Lucile and her mother, who were waiting for
them there.The dinner party turned out to be a great success, and the girls did not
return to the hotel till almost eleven o'clock."It's my turn to sleep with Miss Prudence," Peggy 
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