around like a fly-wheel on full duty.

The reflected flame of the old bronze lantern, swayed by the night-wind,
fell on the great gate and transformed the carved dragons and attendant
demons into living, moving things.

The departing guest saw it and remarked with a mock fear, "That
dragonette seems alive; hope he and his angels will not follow me. Some
carving that!"

"Are you interested in curious things, Mr. Chalmers?"

"I should say. Everything from jiujitsu to eels and chopsticks catches
me."

"Have you ever seen a garden in this country which boasts some three or
four centuries of birthdays?"

"No; but I should like to gaze on the spectacle."

Here was my opportunity to get in serious conference with the young man,
and as it seemed one of the few sights Mr. Chalmers had missed, I was
charmed to make my offer.

"My garden is very famous," I said, "and just now it is in its full
beauty. I wonder if you would come to-morrow morning and permit me to
show it to you?"

"Sure. Thanks," was the answer as he swung down the street and into the
sleeping town below.

VIII

MR. CHALMERS SEES THE GARDEN AND HEARS THE TRUTH

Early next day I cornered Jane privately and told her of the
conversation I had overheard the night before and the visitor I was
expecting, adding, "This is Orphan Asylum day. I can't go, but take Zura
with you. I don't want her to see that Chalmers boy again. He's too
friendly, too highly colored to suit my ideas."

If my tones were sharper than the occasion demanded, it was because of
the combination of a shriveled cash account, and an undesirable male
around. The general disturbance of mind made me say, not quite honestly:

"He may be all right, but so far I can see not one good quality in Mr.
Chalmers's make-up."

"Oh! yes, there is, Miss Jenkins," said Jane, quick to defend. "He can
whistle beautifully. Last night as he went down the street you should
have heard, 'Oh! Promise Me!' It was so pretty I almost cried."

"Spare your tears, Jane; the prettiest whistle that ever grew never made
a real man. Mr. Chalmers will have to shine in another direction before
I am convinced. Now get Zura and clear out, and don't you dare to take
more than one basket of gingerbread Johnnies to the orphans."

* * * * *

When Mr. Tom Chalmers walked in at ten o'clock he barely concealed his
regret at there being only an elderly hostess to receive him. The garden