hed, dressed and
breakfasted at his usual time.

On the slip of paper that Corinna had given Evan was written:

Thomas Dordess,
-- Broadway,
Give Weir the bonds.

C. PLAYFAIR.

Evan presented himself at this address at a few minutes past nine, when
offices were just opening. Dordess, it appeared, was not a journalist,
as Evan had once guessed, but an architect; that is to say, an elderly
architectural draughtsman, one of the race of slaves who help build
other men's reputations.

Early as it was, Dordess had already been apprised of Evan's coming.
Evan had only to look at him to know that. The ironic smile of the man
of the world was on his lips, in his eyes the resentful hatred of a
youth for his successful rival. The package of bonds was already done
up and waiting, it appeared. With scarcely a glance at Corinna's note,
which Evan offered him, Dordess handed it over.

"Better open it and look them over," he said bitterly.

"Time enough for that," said Evan. "I want to talk to you."

Dordess' eyebrows went up.

"Oh, I know you hate me like the devil," said Evan. "But I'm hoping
you'll know me better some day. Anyhow, I want to talk to you
privately for a few minutes. Is it safe here? I want to put up a
scheme to you."

Dordess indicated the package. "What more is there to say?" he asked
with his bitter smile.

"Better hear it," said Evan. "It may make it easier all around. Won't
hurt you to listen, anyway."

"All right," said Dordess. "Can't talk here. Too many going in and
out. I'll come out with you."

They ensconced themselves in an alcove of the cafe across the street.

"What's your scheme?" said Dordess. "Shoot!"

"Well, I gather from your generally humorous style," said Evan, "that
it was you who wrote the letters for the Ikunahkatsi. By the way, what
does Ikunahkatsi mean?"

"An Indian word for avengers. Yes, I wrote the letters. What of it?"

"I want you to write one more. Also another article for the _Clarion_."

"I would have to consult Miss Playfair."

"No. She mustn't know anything about it until later."

"Nothing doing, then."

"But listen----!"

Their heads drew close over the table, and for five minutes Evan talked
uninterruptedly. As Dordess listened his expression changed oddly; a
conflict of feelings was visible in his face; incredulity, chagrin, an
unwilling admiration, and laughter.

"Damn you!" he cried at last. "It's true