ercely, and then, as though to avoid further questions, burst into a
fit of coughing. Trembling and shaking, he drew the canvas cloak closer
to him. But at no time did his anxious, prying eyes leave the eyes of
Keep.

"You--you couldn't lend me a suit of clothes could you?" he stuttered.
"Just for to-night? I'll send them back. It's all right," he added;
reassuringly. "I live near here."

With a start Keep raised his eyes, and distressed by his look, the young
man continued less confidently.

"I don't blame you if you don't believe it," he stammered, "seeing me
like this; but I DO live right near here. Everybody around here knows
me, and I guess you've read about me in the papers, too. I'm--that is,
my name--" like one about to take a plunge he drew a short breath, and
the rat-like eyes regarded Keep watchfully--"my name is Van Warden. I'm
the one you read about--Harry--I'm Harry Van Warden!"

After a pause, slowly and reprovingly Fred shook his head; but his smile
was kindly even regretful, as though he were sorry he could not longer
enjoy the stranger's confidences.

"My boy!" he exclaimed, "you're MORE than Van Warden! You're a genius!"
He rose and made a peremptory gesture. "Sorry," he said, "but this isn't
safe for either of us. Follow me, and I'll dress you up and send you
where you want to go." He turned and whispered over his shoulder: "Some
day let me hear from you. A man with your nerve--"

In alarm the naked one with a gesture commanded silence.

The library led to the front hall. In this was the coat-room. First
making sure the library and hall were free of servants, Fred tiptoed to
the coat-room and, opening the door, switched: on the electric light.
The naked man, leaving in his wake a trail of damp footprints, followed
at his heels.

Fred pointed at golf-capes, sweaters, greatcoats hanging from hooks, and
on the floor at boots and overshoes.

"Put on that motor-coat and the galoshes," he commanded. "They'll cover
you in case you have to run for it. I'm going to leave you here while
I get you some clothes. If any of the servants butt in, don't lose your
head. Just say you're waiting to see me--Mr. Keep. I won't be long.
Wait."

"Wait!" snorted the stranger. "You BET I'll wait!"

As Fred closed the door upon him, the naked one was rubbing himself
violently with Mrs. Keep's yellow golf-jacket.

In his own room Fred collected a suit of blue serge, a tennis shirt,
boots, even a tie. Underclothes