ents, his face showing signs of
strain.

"I don't deserve her, Dick; the thought of it troubles me. She doesn't
know me for what I really am!"

"Rot!" Blake exclaimed. "It's your misfortune that you're a
sentimentalist with a habit of exaggerating things; but if you don't
indulge in your weakness too much, you'll go a long way. You showed
the true Challoner pluck when you smoked out that robbers' nest in the
hills, and the pacification of the frontier valley was a smart piece of
work. When I read about the business I never thought you would pull it
off with the force you had. It must have impressed the authorities,
and you'll get something better than your major's commission before
long. I understand that you're already looked upon as a coming man."

It was a generous speech, but it was justified, for Challoner had shown
administrative as well as military skill in the affairs his cousin
mentioned. However, he still looked troubled, and his color was higher
than usual.

"Dick," he said, "you know all I owe to you. I wish you would let me
repay you in the only way I can. You know------"

"No," Blake interrupted curtly; "it's impossible! Your father made me
a similar offer, and I couldn't consent. I suppose I have the Blakes'
carelessness about money, but what I get from my mother's little
property keeps me on my feet." He laughed as he went on: "It's lucky
that your people, knowing the family failing, arranged matters so that
the principal could not be touched. Besides, I've a plan for adding to
my means."

Bertram dropped the subject. Dick was often rather casual and
inconsequent, but there was a stubborn vein in him. When he took the
trouble to think a matter out he was apt to prove immovable.

"Anyway, you will let me know how you get on?"

"I think not. What good would it do? While I'm grateful, it's better
that the Challoners should have nothing more to do with me. Think of
your career, keep your wife proud of you--she has good reason for being
so--and let me go my way and drop out of sight again. I'm a common
adventurer and have been mixed up in matters that fastidious people
would shrink from--which may happen again. Still, I manage to get a
good deal of pleasure out of the life; it suits me in many ways." He
rose, holding out his hand. "Good-by, Bertram. We may run across each
other somewhere again."

"I'll always be glad to do so," Challoner said with feeling. "Be sure
I won't