sure all her friends must deeply appreciate, and I count myself in as
one."

Brockton smiled amiably, as he replied:

"Then we have a great deal in common, Mr. Madison, for I also count
Miss Murdock a friend, and when two friends of a friend have the
pleasure of meeting, I daresay that's a pretty good foundation for them
to become friends, too."

The big fellow nodded and showed his white teeth. With a determined
effort not to show himself behind his rival in cordiality, he said:

"Whatever my opinion may have been of you, Mr. Brockton, before you
arrived, now I have seen you--and I'm a man who forms his conclusions
right off the bat--I don't mind saying you've agreeably surprised me.
That's just a first impression, but they run kind o' strong with me."

Brockton carelessly flecked the ash from his cigar as he answered in
the same tone:

"Well, young man, I size up a fellow in pretty short order, and all
things being equal, I think you'll do."

Laura, radiant at this totally unexpected result of the encounter,
looked from one man to the other in delighted amazement. She was afraid
they would fly at each other's throats, and here they were, apparently,
the best of friends. Making a move towards the house she said:

"Shall I get the tea?"

"Tea?" exclaimed Madison in mock dismay.

The girl shook her finger in his face.

"Yes, tea. You know it must be tea--nothing stronger."

Madison looked comically at the broker:

"How strong are you for that tea, Mr. Brockton?"

"I'll pass," rejoined the broker, entering into the spirit of the fun,
"it's your deal, Mr. Madison."

"Mine?" echoed the Westerner, laughing. "No, deal me out this hand."

Putting on her favorite little pout, Laura pretended to be angry.

"I don't think you're at all pleasant, but I'll tell you one
thing--it's tea this deal or no game."

Throwing herself into a seat, she picked up a magazine, and made a
pretense of becoming interested in the illustrations.

Brockton moved towards the entrance to the house.

"No game then," he said laughingly. "I'm going in to help Mrs.
Williams. Maybe she's lost seven dollars by this time. I may be able to
get it back for her."

He disappeared in the house. Directly he was gone Laura sprang from her
seat, and running up to Madison, flung her arms unrestrainedly about
his neck.

"John!" she exclaimed.

"Well, dear?"

"Are you going to be cross with me?"

"Why?"

"Because he came?"

"Because