red. When Polly saw who Eleanor's companion was,
she gasped in astonishment, for she believed it was Tom sitting before
the fire.

Had Polly hurried after Paul, to explain matters to him, all would have
ended well that evening, but she went to the room where her wraps had
been left and sat down to think out the problem. Meantime, Paul found Mr.
Dalken and drew him aside to say:

"Don't ask questions, and don't try to stop me, but I am going away as
quick as I can. I'm through with girls for all time. They're not to be
trusted when a man's absent. I'm going to live for my mother, hereafter,
and make her life happy."

Mr. Dalken was taken by surprise, because he had no key to this new
puzzle, but he said: "Do wait, my boy, and have some refreshments with
us. I have so much to ask you about the mine."

"No--no! I can't stay. The mine isn't my affair anyway, and I was a fool
to coax John to give me power-of-attorney to come East for him. Now I'm
rushing back and he can send Tom Latimer the affidavit necessary for the
meeting in January."

"Now, now, Paul! You are a hot-headed young fellow and I feel sure
matters can be explained quickly, if you will but wait!"

Paul scowled and stiffened his spine as he replied: "Mr. Dalken, I heard
with my own ears, that Nolla is infatuated with another young man. She
said, _and I_ heard her say it: 'She was not certain which one of us she
preferred but the test would show if she used a good dose of anti-toxin
to help the germ! But I'm no 'second fiddle' even if that other fellow
is! If a girl can't tell whether she loves me without using hypodermics
to help her find out, then she's no wife for me! Maybe I'm a wild and
woolly westerner from Denver, but believe me! we westerners never stand
around waiting for a bit to be forced between our teeth."

Mr. Dalken could hardly restrain his sudden desire to laugh, but he
averted his head for a moment and covered his face with a handkerchief
until he composed his risibles, then he said: "Still, I am sure I can
mediate in this case, Paul. Only stay and let me inquire."

"I guess not! No one can mediate between me and a flirt! I am through, I
say, and I'm going home!"

So saying Paul thrust out his hand and Mr. Dalken had to take it.
"Good-by, and say good-by to the others for me. This much I want you to
do, as I will not see them again!"

Mr. Dalken went to the door with his excited guest and saw him go down on
the elevator, then he rus