ce. The coal-dust does not add to your manly beauty. You haven't a
cake of soap about you, William, have you?"

"No, sir." William's face expressed indescribable enjoyment of the
scene.

The girl's mouth stiffened. She was struggling to repress the almost
irresistible smile that tickled her lips.

"In times like these," said I, determined not to be outdone, "we are
often thoughtless in regard to our personal appearances. I apologize
to the lady."

"Fine, fine! I sincerely admire you, Mr. Comstalk. You have the true
spirit of adventure. Hasn't he, William?"

"He certainly has, sir."

"Comes to a private ball without an invitation, and has a merry time of
it indeed. To have the perfect sense of humor--that is what makes the
world go round."

"Aren't you taking extra risk in offering me these pleasantries?" I
asked.

"Risks? In what manner?"

"The man you so cleverly impersonated is at the club." I do not know
what prompted me to put him on his guard.

The rogue laughed lightly. "I know Mr. Haggerty's habits. He is
hustling back to New York as fast as he can. He passed here ten
minutes ago in the patrol, lickety-clip! He wishes to warn all
pawnbrokers and jewelers to be on the lookout for me to-morrow. Ten
thousand in a night!"--jovially.

"A _very_ tidy sum, sir," said William.

"A fourth of which goes to you, my good and faithful friend."

"Thank you, sir," replied William.

Two cooler rogues I never wish to meet!

"But wouldn't it be well, sir, to hasten?" asked William.

"We have plenty of time now, my son."

"You have not entered this room," said the girl, her terror slipping
from her, "simply to offer these banalities. What do you wish?"

"What perspicacity, William!" cried the rogue, taking out a cigarette
case.

"I don't know what that word means, sir, but as you do, it seems to fit
the occasion proper enough."

"It means, William, that this charming young lady scents our visit from
afar."

"I had a suspicion, sir, that it might mean that." William leaned
against the wall, his beady eyes twinkling merrily.

The master rogue lighted a cigarette at one of the candles.

"Pardon me," he said, "but will you join me?"--proffering the handsome
gold case.

I took a cigarette and fired it. (I really wanted it.) I would show
up well before this girl if I died for it. I blew a cloud of smoke at
the candle-flame. There _was_ a sparkle of admiration in the girl's
eyes.