idently: "Do you think it was inexcusably impertinent of me?"

"No. I think it was very kind."

"Then you'll go to see Mr. Gaines?"

"One of these days. When I get out of this present scrape. And I hope
you'll keep on copying my Sunday stuff after I leave. Nobody else would
be so patient with my dreadful handwriting."

She gave him a glance and a little flush of thankfulness. Matters had
begun to improve with Miss Westlake. But it was due to Banneker that she
had won through her time of desperation. Now, through his suggestion,
she was writing successfully, quarter and half column "general interest"
articles for the Woman's Page of the Sunday Ledger. If she could in turn
help Banneker to recognition, part of her debt would be paid. As for
him, he was interested in, but not greatly expectant of, the Gaines
invitation. Still, if he were cast adrift from The Ledger because of
activity in the coming police inquiry, there was a possible port in the
magazine world.

Meantime there pressed the question of a home. Cressey ought to afford
help on that. He called the gilded youth on the telephone.

"Hello, old fire-eater!" cried Cressey. "Some little hero, aren't you!
Bully work, my boy. I'm proud to know you.... What; quarters? Easiest
thing you know. I've got the very thing--just like a real-estate agent.
Let's see; this is your Monday at Sherry's, isn't it? All right. I'll
meet you there."

Providentially, as it might appear, a friend of Cressey's, having
secured a diplomatic appointment, was giving up his bachelor apartment
in the select and central Regalton.

"Cheap as dirt," said the enthusiastic Cressey, beaming at Banneker over
his cocktail that evening. "Two rooms and bath; fully furnished, and you
can get it for eighteen hundred a year."

"Quite a raise from the five dollars a week I've been paying," smiled
Banneker.

"Pshaw! You've got to live up to your new reputation. You're somebody,
now, Banneker. All New York is talking about you. Why, I'm afraid to say
I know you for fear they'll think I'm bragging."

"All of which doesn't increase my income," pointed out the other.

"It will. Just wait. One way or another you'll capitalize that
reputation. That's the way New York is."

"That isn't the way _I_ am, however. I'll capitalize my brains and
ability, if I've got 'em; not my gun-play."

"Your gun-play will advertise your brains and ability, then," retorted
Cressey. "Nobody expects you to make a princely