roke again?"

"If you can find the price of a car ride on me, I 'll give it to
you--and I 'll help you hunt."

"Checkers, your acquaintance has been expensive for me," I said
soberly. "I suppose now you want me to give you the money to take you
to Clarksville."

"Mr. Preston!" he exclaimed, with an earnest expression, "I don't want
you to _give_ me _anything_. All the money I 've had from you has been
_borrowed_. I 've kept a strict tab on it, and I intend to repay it.
My farm down there is worth $20,000; when I get that back I 'll be 'in
the heart of town.' But I don't want to go back looking like a 'hobo,'
and I 've got to have some money 'to make a front with.' I could write
the old man that I 'm flat, and get him to send me some money easy
enough. But that would give him the upper hand of me, and queer me on
the start. If I drop in unexpectedly, looking as though I had money to
throw to the birds, he 's likely to 'unbelt' right away, and I 'll send
you your stuff the minute I get it."

Well, the upshot of it all was that I advanced to Checkers what he
needed--within reason. He consumed nearly a week in making his
preparations; but in the mean time I suggested that he advise Mr.
Barlow and Judge Martin of his coming. When the day finally arrived he
insisted that I dine with him before his departure; but I had an
engagement, and was forced to refuse. We compromised, however, on a
modest luncheon, during which I advised him earnestly and well.

"Now, Checkers," I said, before bidding him farewell, "you are about to
begin a new life; be a man, settle down, and make some good
resolutions."

"I have," he said. "It'll take me a year to live down those I have
made already. Just think of Bessie Bisland running this afternoon and
me with not a nickel on her."

"And, Checkers," I said, "you must school yourself to endure what may
come, however unpleasant. Treat the old man well--it won't be for
long; and remember what it means to you in the future. When you get
your property, whether soon or late, keep it, or rent it, and live
within your income."

"You bet I will," he replied, "and I believe I 'll hire three or four
little sleuths to go round with me all the time, and see that nobody
'does' me."

"Have Judge Martin advise you," I said. "He doubtless knows the law;
and write to me when you are settled--I shall be interested." I
clasped his hand warmly in one of mine, and rested my other upon his
sh