jolt to the business world. And when
he finally shows up again it didn't take much urgin' from Mr. Robert to
induce him to pass up his financial career for good. He was engaged to
be married anyway, and that should have been enough to occupy his mind.

Where he'd run across Valentina was the big puzzle, and the easiest way
to solve it was to ask her. Which I does.

"Why, at Sand Spur Point," says she.

"Sounds cute," says I. "Is it on the map?"'

"It's on mine," says Valentina.

"Sand Spur, did you say?" puts in Mr. Robert. "Isn't that the place he
discovered when he was sent South to bake out his shoulder? Florida,
isn't it?"

"West coast," says Valentina.

"Of course," says Mr. Robert. "He talked a lot about it. Seemed to
have grown rather fond of the people there."

"We all thought a heap of Warrie," says Miss Tozier, lettin' loose that
mesmerizin' smile of hers.

Mr. Robert gets the full force of it, for he'd been lookin' her over
sort of curious; and blamed if he don't fall for it 'most as hard as me
and Vincent.

"By George!" says he. "I'm sure Warrie would feel badly if he missed
seeing anyone from Sand Spur. You must let me know where you're
stopping. I'll send him word."

"Wouldn't do a bit of good in the world," says Valentina, "for Ah'm not
stopping anywhere. You see, Ah come up with pop on a lumber-schooner,
and we'll be headed out past Sandy Hook by sunrise."

"Can't we locate Warrie to-night some way?" I asks.

Mr. Robert shrugs his shoulders.

"We can," says he. "I happen to know where he is at this moment." Then
he whispers, "Dining at the Tarleton; Miss Prentice is with him."

"Gee!" says I.

Maybe you've seen pictures of this young society queen that's annexed
Warrie? I had. That's why I took such a long breath before askin',
"Would you take a chance?"

"Eh?" says Mr. Robert.

Then, as the idea strikes in, he develops that eye twinkle.

"Why," he goes on, "I see no serious objection. Surely she might spare
him for five minutes. Yes, of course. You may have my taxi if you'll
drop me at the club first. Let's do it."

So that's how I come to be interviewin' a chesty head waiter at the
Tarleton twenty minutes later. From where I stood I could see Warrie
Mason well enough, but I has to write out a message and have it taken
in. Him and Miss Prentice are havin' dinner all by themselves, and
they sure make a swell-lookin' pair. Warrie he looks classy in
anythin