CHAPTER IX

Sequels of a surprising and diverse character followed Banneker's sudden
fame. The first to manifest itself was disconcerting. On the Wednesday
following the fight on the pier, Mrs. Brashear intercepted him in the
hallway.

"I'm sure we all admire what you did, Mr. Banneker," she began, in
evident trepidation.

The subject of this eulogy murmured something deprecatory.

"It was very brave of you. Most praiseworthy. We appreciate it, all of
us. Yes, indeed. It's very painful, Mr. Banneker. I never expected
to--to--indeed, I couldn't have believed--" Mrs. Brashear's plump little
hands made gestures so fluttery and helpless that her lodger was moved
to come to her aid.

"What's the matter, Mrs. Brashear? What's troubling you?"

"If you could make it convenient," said she tremulously, "when your
month is up. I shouldn't think of asking you before."

"Are you giving me notice?" he inquired in amazement.

"If you don't mind, please. The notoriety, the--the--your being
arrested. You were arrested, weren't you?"

"Oh, yes. But the coroner's jury cleared--"

"Such a thing never happened to any of my guests before. To have my
house in the police records," wept Mrs. Brashear. "Really, Mr. Banneker,
really! You can't know how it hurts one's pride."

"I'll go next week," said the evicted one, divided between amusement and
annoyance, and retired to escape another outburst of grief.

Now that the matter was presented to him, he was rather glad to be
leaving. Quarters somewhere in mid-town, more in consonance with his
augmented income, suggested themselves as highly desirable. Since the
affray he had been the object of irksome attentions from his fellow
lodgers. It is difficult to say whether he found the more unendurable
young Wickert's curiosity regarding details, Hainer's pompous adulation,
or Lambert's admiring but jocular attitude. The others deemed it their
duty never to refrain from some reference to the subject wherever and
whenever they encountered him. The one exception was Miss Westlake. She
congratulated him once, quietly but with warm sincerity; and when next
she came to his door, dealt with another topic.

"Mrs. Brashear tells me that you are leaving, Mr. Banneker."

"Did she tell you why? That she has fired me out?"

"No. She didn't."

Banneker, a little surprised and touched at the landlady's reticence,
explained.

"Ah, well," commented Miss Westlake, "you would soon have outgrown us