talking of him and returned to themselves--and his whole
being burned suddenly with a rage of jealousy. Controlling the
expression of his face, he rose upon his crutches and descended the
steps to greet Barbara at the curb.

"Glad to see you!" said she. "And how about Wednesday night for the
party? Mr. Allen is coming, and I have asked three or four
other people."

The legless man bowed and said: "Thank you. Wednesday at half-past
nine."

He nodded affably to Allen, who returned the salute with all his
charming ease and courtesy. You might have mistaken them for two men who
really valued each other.

"Miss Ferris," said Blizzard, "I shall be ready for work as soon as you.
I wish to ask Mr. Allen a question."

Wilmot winced, since he noted a tone of command in Blizzard's voice, and
it jarred on him, and he said good-by to Barbara and watched her
disappear into the studio-building with a feeling of strong resentment
against the man who had to all intents and purposes dismissed her from
the scene.

"Well?" he said curtly.

But Blizzard, enjoying the childish satisfaction of having separated the
pair, was no longer in the mood to take offence. "I wish to make a
proposition to you," he said, "but at some length. Will you come to my
place at three o'clock this afternoon? It is easier for you to get about
than for me."

"I am very busy," said Wilmot; "I am getting ready to go West."

"So I have gathered. Have you anything definite in view?"

"Not very," said Wilmot. "Nor any money to put it through with. About
the loan you were so kind as to make me, I can only say that I am going
to turn over a new leaf, and to work very hard at something or other. If
I have any luck you shall be paid."

The legless man dismissed the matter of the loan with a backward toss of
his head. "If you've nothing definite in view," said he, "please come at
three o'clock, I have interests in the West--legitimate interests, and
influence. Perhaps I can put you in a way to clear up your debts."

"Well, by George," said Wilmot, his good nature returning, "if that's
the idea, I'll turn up at three sharp. Sure thing."

XXII

Blizzard had upon his desk a specimen of the straw hats which the young
ladies of his establishment were kept so busy plaiting. At exactly three
o'clock he thrust it to one side, and at exactly the same moment the
bell of his street door clanged, and Wilmot Allen came in out of
the sunlight.

"On time," sai