d another thing _I_ know."

"What's that?"

"Well, sir, while we were at the table she kept her feet pressing
against my feet all the time."

"Oh, you idiot! Those were my feet that were pressing against yours."

"Then if you knew they were mine, why did you keep pushing yours against
them all the time?"

Under much excitement he answered:

"Because--because, sir, I--I--I thought I would have a little fun with
you. That's why."

"Yes; because you thought they were the girl's feet. That's why."

Then assuming his usual dramatic attitude, and striking his breast with
his clinched fist, he cried out:

"Johnston, if you cast any imputation against the character of this
young lady, you will have to answer to me, sir. Now remember what I tell
you."

"Well, Doctor, you had better go in and resume dancing. You are losing
lots of fun."

"Yes," he quickly answered. "I know I am; I know I am. This is what _I_
get for introducing you into society."

We then returned to the dancing room, and the Doctor found no difficulty
in getting the attention of the cross-eyed belle.

By this time the boys were jealous, anyway, and would have nothing to do
with her.

About two o'clock in the morning the Doctor came to me and said:

"Johnston, I am going to take this young lady home."

"How far does she reside from here?"

"About six miles."

"Have you ordered a livery team?"

"Not by a dang sight. Why should I? Can't I use our horse and buggy?"

I replied that I thought not.

"I think I can, I know I can, and I know I will. The half of that rig
belongs to me. I have agreed to take her, and I must do it."

"Well, I should think you had better be starting, if you are going with
our horse, and expect to return before morning."

"We will not start till the dance breaks up, Mr. Johnston," was his
defiant answer.

"Where am I to stay?" I asked, "What am I going to do while you are
traveling six miles and back, with that old plug of a horse, after
everybody has gone home?"

"That, sir, is a matter of no concern to me; but that young lady must be
taken home by _me to-night_, and no disappointment."

Then he and the cross-eyed girl took their places for another quadrille.

By this time I was not in the best of humor myself, and began to feel
that the Doctor was getting the best of me.

My first thought was to hitch up and drive home, leaving him in the
lurch. But while considering the matter, my opportunity came; and