He was not interested in details, and what they were he did not know or care.

The landing was marked for him plainly, though he scarcely needed it with the moon riding now above the low rim of hills.
He came down gently, and Cliff, remembering to give Johnny his money, climbed out hurriedly to meet the florid gentleman who had never yet failed to appear when the Thunder Bird landed.

Johnny did not know his name, for Cliff had never mentioned it.

The two never talked together in his presence, but strolled away where even their voices would not reach him, or went inside the adobe house and stayed there until Cliff was ready to return.

News gathering, as Johnny saw the news gathered, seemed to be mighty secret business, never to be mentioned save in a whisper.
The florid gentleman came strolling toward them through the moonlight, smoking a big, fat cigar whose aroma reminded Johnny of something disagreeable, like burning rubbish.