e for it, and that if I
took it I would be pitiably paid; but that he wished me to do it,
because some day, and that not too far away, it might have to stand the
test not of friends, but of enemies. Also he said--let me see----"

"That for foreign policy's sake it would have to be done quietly,
without advertising, as a bit of departmental work?"

"That's it."

"And that you would get no great reputation out of it, that your very
report would remain a supplementary paper buried in departmental
files?"

"That was it."

"Did it strike you that the conditions were hard, Greg?"

"Not after he explained things. And so when the Construction people said
to me later: 'You're crazy, man! Look the two propositions in the eye!'
I said: 'I've looked one of 'em at least in the eye and I'm passing the
other up--and the other is yours.'"

"Lord, Greg! whether you're the best or the worst concrete man in the
world is a small matter--you're a great man. And if some day--" Balfe
let his front chair-legs come down bang and bounded to his feet.

"Greg"--it was Marie who had returned--"I don't know how I ever forgot,
but I never thought till a moment ago--there was a Mr. Necker here to
see you this evening."

"Well, you don't often forget, Marie. Must be the sight of those
battle-ships. Necker? I don't know any Necker. You know him, Andie?"

"I was trying to guess coming over on the boat. I was still guessing
when he got off. I could guess, Greg, who he is, but it would be only a
guess."

"He didn't leave any message, Marie?"

"None, except to say that he would call again at eight. He seemed to
know something of you and to be friendly."

"He must be a friendly soul to come to this place to see anybody. Well,
when he comes we'll know. How'd you leave Sonnie-Boy?"

"He's waiting for you to say good night."

"I'll go up to him." He went inside.

Marie picked up her ensign. Balfe placed a chair for her at the little
work-table, and himself took the chair on the other side of the table.

"A great joy for you, also--young Greg, Marie?"

"If you could hold him and feel his little heart against yours when he's
saying 'Good night, auntie,' after he's said his prayers! His prayers
and the 'Star-Spangled Banner' are his great set pieces."

"And between you and Greg it's safe to say he's got both
letter-perfect."

"And spirit-perfect, we're hoping. But I must get on with this ensign
for him."

"Pretty good size, isn't it, fo