en," he began, "but I 'ave just
arranged with a party to 'old that site for a summer 'otel or a fruit
farm, or some such a thing, don't you know. Sorry, beastly sorry, though,
because I 'ave to refuse you."

Mr. Allen looked at Mr. Dean, a great disappointment showing on his face.
He turned to Willis, who was standing in the background. The boy was
squinting out between half-closed eyelids and his fists were clenched
hard at his sides. He was gazing steadfastly at the floor. Suddenly he
looked up at Mr. Allen, then shoved himself behind the railing that
separated them from the Englishman and spoke in clearcut tones.

"Mr. Pembroke--" The little Englishman batted his eyes nervously and
straightened noticeably. He was all attention in a second. Willis looked
him straight in the eye and continued: "I don't suppose you know who I
am, at least you don't appear to. I hate to ask favors of any man, or
take undue advantage of any one, but in this instance I feel that I have
just a little claim upon your attention and your consideration." Mr.
Allen looked at Mr. Dean in utter astonishment.

"Very early this spring you and I were fellow passengers on a D. & P.W.
train coming to Colorado Springs. Do you remember? That train was wrecked
on a stormy afternoon by the splintering of the rails, which caused a
collision with a heavy freight. It was my pleasure at that time to save
the life of your little son."

"Ba Jove," murmured the Englishman, as he shifted his weight from one leg
to the other. "It was a deucedly nasty business. I'm very pleased to meet
you again, Mr.--a--a--"

"Thornton," said Mr. Allen.

"Mr. Thornton, and--"

"Never mind that," continued Willis. "All I have to say is that I would
count it a very great favor, personally, if you could see your way clear
to let us have the use of that cabin for an Association camp, until such
time as you are ready to build or make other improvements there."

"Why--a--yes, I'll be pleased to do that," returned Mr. Pembroke
confusedly. "Deucedly glad to 'ave a chance to serve you, don't you know.
Now, just what is your plan again, gentlemen?"

The plan was carefully gone over, this time with Willis as spokesman. Mr.
Pembroke listened carefully till he had finished, then he replied, "Ba
Jove, I like the idea, it 'as points to it. I'd like to furnish the
necessary lumber for the desired addition myself. It will be a deucedly
comfortable 'ome for the boys. You know it was the As