se down. I have been
crediting Gerard with your balance in my gratitude ledger."

"Gerard!" cried Denis. "What made you select him?"

"He professed so much. If I had all Gerard promised me I would be a
multi-millionaire. But I am not ungrateful. Jackson and I can help you a
little; count on us!"

"Thanks, Desmond. At present you are invaluable to me, as much because
of the weight you carry with the public as for the L s. d. I don't think
you are making a mistake because I intend to succeed, and I haven't
drawn a blank yet."

"Oh, you'll succeed, Quirk; that's a foregone conclusion.... Are you
looking for rooms?" Desmond asked.

"At present I am staying at the 'Exchange,' but there's no privacy
there. Do you know of a quiet, respectable place?"

"I can offer you a share in my flat in Collins Street," said Desmond. "I
have the best man in Melbourne, miles ahead of any woman ever born; a
self-respecting fellow, who expects good wages and earns them. He keeps
the flat in A1 order, cooks well enough to content even you----."

"Hang it! I am not a gourmand," Denis Quirk interjected.

"I am not accusing you of gluttony, my friend! I know from experience
you like your work well done, even if it happens to be the preparation
of an omelette on a Friday. I suppose you still hold to your old
prejudice against meat on a Friday?" asked Denis with a smile.

"Undoubtedly! Not from any objection to meat, but as a mark of loyalty
and obedience," Denis replied.

"I avoid it myself; merely from a health point of view. I have thrown
the old traditions and superstitions to the winds. I am a free man,"
said Desmond.

"Do you wear a hat in the street?" Denis asked laughingly; "and a coat;
or have you descended to the habits of your ancestors and eschewed
clothes on a hot day?"

"No, my good man, and for an excellent reason. I have no desire to run
counter to the law," replied Desmond.

"Precisely my reason for abstinence on Friday; but my law is a moral
one, and my justice of the peace that stern fellow, conscience. Don't
talk to me of traditions and superstitions. You, free men, are more
bound by superstitions than we who profess to be servants to a kindly
mistress.... I will share your flat and your wonderful man; and give you
the benefit of my beauty and my intelligent conversation on one
condition. We will swear a truce of God, neither shall run atilt at the
other's convictions until he is invited to do so. Is it an
unders