ou get too abusive--good-by! You may shift for
yourself.

"Well then, shut up and let me think, can't you? I know you're all
right, Jack, but my head aches terribly, and this muss nearly drives me
mad. Why can't you be sympathetic and advise me, instead of harrowing
me up so mercilessly."

The other laughed.

"Well, by gracious! I do feel for you, Tom. But what can I do about
it?"

"Well, go and bring Carnegie here, for the first thing, can't you?"

"Bring Carnegie to you? I like that! Why, man alive, do you realize
that under that bashful girl-look of his there is a spirit that
wouldn't flinch at anything where honor is concerned? Watch his square
jaw and the set of his lips. Bring him to you! You'll have to go to
Carnegie, and eat some humble-pie into the bargain, Tom."

"I don't believe it."

"All right! Perhaps I lie. Just the same, I'll not do any such
errand, even for you, that's certain. I know my man, if you don't.
And, now, I'm going to the barber-shop, and you can have all the time
there is to think it over."

So the situation rested when the parties concerned met under the same
roof to listen to, possibly in some cases, to join in solemn prayer to
God. It was a few minutes after the service when the two young men
most concerned met face to face in one of the dim and narrow
passageways connecting the saloons. Allyne stopped and Carnegie, after
an instant's hesitation, did likewise.

"I understand," began the former trying to laugh, "that you and I had a
little falling out, last night."

"You and I? Not at all," was the prompt answer. "Your quarrel is not
with me; you simply insulted Miss Hosmer who, fortunately, has a father
to protect her. Make your peace with him."

Allyne flushed darkly.

"You don't mince your words, sir."

"I have no reason to--nor is there any reason for our talking the thing
over. It is not my privilege to take it up, as I see plainly now; but
if you are a man you will go straight to Captain Hosmer and apologize."

"Oh, I will? It's very easy to tell another man to put his head into
the lion's mouth, isn't it? If he does not know the whole, what's the
use of rousing him up? Better let it drop."

"That's where you'll make a huge mistake. I believe he knows all about
it."

"Has he told you so?"

"Certainly not. We haven't discussed the matter. My belief comes from
another source."

"Oh, Miss--"

"Don't finish! We'll have no names mention