ome to anyone--not even to friends--until tomorrow
morning."

So the two chagrined young men left, and whatever they did during the
next few hours, no one ever knew, but from that evening both forgot their
rivalry and became fast friends. Jack suddenly decided to go West and
finish his engineering studies in the mountains about Pebbly Pit. And Tom
decided to make one last stand for Polly, and should she still refuse him
on the basis that she must finish a business experience first, then he
would knuckle down to hard work and forget all about her, forever.

It was easier for Jack to carry out his purpose than for Tom to leave New
York and forget Polly. But Jack managed to do as he had outlined, and
before Christmas Day he had said good-by and was on his way to Denver.

Tom spent so much time and preparation before the mirror in his room,
perfecting himself in the art of proposing to Polly, in such a way that
she would be impressed, that he became quite self-conscious of his pose
and words. On Christmas Day, he planned to coax her away by herself, and
then fall upon his knees and tell his story. He had a magnificent
solitaire in his pocket, waiting to be displayed at the right moment.

No one saw Tom all that Christmas morning, although his friends called on
the telephone, both at his home and at the hotel. He did not reply to any
calls. But late in the afternoon he sauntered forth from his room,
looking more like a silly dandy than a big sensible young man who was one
of the best engineers in the West.

He got in a taxi and gave directions. In front of Mr. Fabian's house, he
paid the driver and went up the steps. After he had rung the bell, he
felt in his pocket to make sure the ring-box was there. This was about
the twentieth time he had assured himself.

The maid opened the door, and looked sorry for him.

"Miss Polly? Are the ladies in?" stammered Tom.

"No'm--no-sir, I mean," returned the maid, confused at his certainty of
finding them at home. "They went out an hour ago, after tryin' to get you
on the 'phone. They says they won't be back till after midnight, sir."

"Did they say where they were going?" asked Tom.

"No'm--No-sir! But I hear'n Miss Polly talk to someone on the 'phone and
she says: 'Oh how lovely! We'll all go with you. And we'll meet you there
for dinner,'" repeated the maid. "You see, I was openin' th' door to take
more presents for the young ladies, so I hear'n that much of the talk
from t