ire to laugh.

Noel saw and seized upon his advantage. "But I daresay she wouldn't to
you. She gets everything she wants without. I must say you're jolly
decent to all of us. I'm sorry I took your gun--didn't know it was one
you particularly valued. I'd get one of my own only I'm so beastly hard
up. I suppose you couldn't lend me a fiver now, could you?"

He tucked his hand back into Mordaunt's arm persuasively, and smiled his
winning smile. "I'll pay you back--with interest--when I come of age.
That'll be in five years. I wouldn't ask you if I couldn't. But I daresay
Chris can let me have it if you would rather not."

"No!" Mordaunt said very decidedly. "There must be no borrowing from
Chris. I will give you five pounds if you are wanting it, but not to buy
a gun with, and only on the understanding that for the future you come to
me--and never to Chris--if you chance to be in difficulties."

"Oh yes, I'll promise that," said Noel readily. "But I don't want you to
make me a present, old chap. I shall pay up some day. You shall have an
I O U."

"Many thanks! I don't want one." Mordaunt began to smile. "Just keep
straight and tell the truth," he said. "That's all the return I want."

"Really?" Noel's smile became a grin. "That's awfully decent of you. As a
matter of fact, I don't believe even Chris could manage to deceive you.
You're so beastly shrewd. But we'll call it a bargain if you like. You
won't catch me trying to jockey you after this."

"Very well," Mordaunt said. "Then, on the strength of that, I want to
know if you have ever had any money from Chris before."

"Why, of course I have!" Noel seemed surprised by the question. He spoke
with the utmost frankness.

"How much?"

Mordaunt's smile had departed. He did not look altogether pleased, but
Noel was quite unimpressed.

"Oh, goodness knows!" he said lightly. "She has my I O U's."

"Which she must find very satisfying," remarked Mordaunt. "Now look here,
boy! There must be no more of this. You will have to keep within your
allowance in future."

"My dear chap, it's all jolly fine--I can't!" protested Noel. "Why, I
only get about twopence-halfpenny a term. It isn't enough to pay a cat's
expenses, besides being always up to the eyes in debt."

Mordaunt heaved a sigh of resignation. "I suppose I had better look into
your affairs. Write down as clear a statement of your debts as you can,
and let me have it."

"I say--really?" Noel looked up eagerly.