Beth Norvell

The boy, still somewhat doubtful, jerked his hand back across his

shoulder toward an inner apartment.

"Well, his nibs is in there, but he 's just a-goin'."

The visitor swung aside the gate and entered. The man within, engaged

in closing down his roll-top desk for the day, wheeled about in his

chair, quite evidently annoyed by so late a caller. An instant he

looked at the face, partially shadowed in the dim light, then sprang to

his feet, both hands cordially extended.

"Ned Winston, by all the gods!" he exclaimed, his voice full of

heartiness. "Say, but I 'm glad to see you, old man. Supposed it was

some bore wanting to talk business, and this happens to be my busy

night. By Jove, thought I never was going to break away from this

confounded desk--always like that when a fellow has a date. How are

you, anyhow? Looking fine as a fiddle. In shape to kick the pigskin

at this minute, I 'll bet a hundred. Denver yet, I suppose? Must be a

great climate out there, if you 're a specimen. Must like it, anyhow;

why, you 've simply buried yourself in the mountains. Some of the old

fellows were in here talking about it the other day. Have n't been

East before for a couple of years, have you, Ned?"

"Considerably over three, Bob, and only on urgent business now. Have

been hard at it all day, but thought I would take a chance at finding

you in, even at this hour. Knew your natural inclination to grind, you

know. I take a train for the West at midnight."

"Well, I rather guess not," and Craig picked up his hat from the top of

the desk. "Do you imagine I 'll let go of you that easily, now that

you are here? Well, hardly. You 've got to give up that excursion for

one night at least, even if I 'm compelled to get you jugged in order

to hold you safe. I can do it, too; I have a pull with the police

department. My automobile fines are making them rich."

"But you just mentioned having an engagement, or rather a date, which I

suppose means the same thing."

Craig smiled indulgently, his dark eyes filled with humor.

"That's exactly the ticket. Glad to see you keep up with the slang of

the day; proof you live in the real world, possess a normal mind, and

feel an interest in current events. Altogether most commendable. That

engagement of mine happens to be the very thing I want you for. Most

glorious event in our family history, at least within my remembrance.

My birth probably transcended even this in importance, but the details

are not clear. You will add éclat to the occasion. By Jove, it will

be immense; paterfamilias and mater-ditto will welcome you with open

arms. They often speak of you; 'pon my word they do, and I don't know

of another fellow anywhere they 'd rather have join in our little

family celebration. Oh, this is a great night for Old Ireland. Stay?

Why, confound it, of course you 'll stay!"