The Dark Star

So, of moving accidents by flood and field this man had a store, and

he contrived to make them artistically innocuous and perfectly fit for

family consumption.

Further, two of his friends motored over from Saratoga to see him,

were brought to supper at the Carews'; and they gave him a clean bill

of moral health. They were, respectively, "Doc" Curfoot--suave haunter

of Peacock Alley and gentleman "capper"--whom Brandes introduced as

the celebrated specialist, Doctor Elbert Curfoot--and Captain Harman

Quint, partner in "Quint's" celebrated temple of chance--introduced as

the distinguished navigating officer which he appeared to be. The

steering for their common craft, however, was the duty of the eminent

Doc.

They spent the evening on the verandah with the family; and it was

quite wonderful what a fine fellow each turned out to be--information

confidentially imparted to the Reverend Mr. Carew by each of the three

distinguished gentlemen in turn.

Doc Curfoot, whose business included the ability to talk convincingly

on any topic, took the Reverend Mr. Carew's measure and chose

literature; and his suave critique presently became an interesting

monologue listened to in silence by those around him.

Brandes had said, "Put me in right, Doc," and Doc was accomplishing

it, partly to oblige Brandes, partly for practice. His agreeable voice

so nicely pitched, so delightfully persuasive, recapitulating all the

commonplaces and cant phrases concerning the literature of the day,

penetrated gratefully the intellectual isolation of these humble

gentlepeople, and won very easily their innocent esteem. With the

Reverend Mr. Carew Doc discussed such topics as the influence on

fiction of the ethical ideal. With Mrs. Carew Captain Quint exchanged

reminiscences of travel on distant seas. Brandes attempted to maintain

low-voiced conversation with Rue, who responded in diffident

monosyllables to his advances.

* * * * *

Brandes walked down to their car with them after they had taken their

leave.

"What's the idea, Eddie?" inquired Doc Curfoot, pausing before the

smart little speeder.

"It's straight."

"Oh," said Doc, softly, betraying no surprise--about the only thing he

never betrayed. "Anything in it for you, Eddie?"

"Yes. A good girl. The kind you read about. Isn't that enough?"

"Minna chucked you?" inquired Captain Quint.

"She'll get her decree in two or three months. Then I'll have a home.

And everything that you and I are keeps out of that home, Cap. See?"

"Certainly," said Quint. "Quite right, Eddie."

Doc Curfoot climbed in and took the wheel; Quint followed him.

"Say," he said in his pleasant, guarded voice, "watch out that Minna

don't double-cross you, Eddie."