oor man seems to have made
a mess of everything. He can't even give his property away. No one will
take it. Braden refuses, Mrs. Thorpe refuses, Wade is dissatisfied--Ah,
yes, Murray seems to be pleased. One lump, Mrs. Tresslyn, and a little
cream. Now as for Wade's attitude--by the way, where is the man?"

Wade was at the lower end of the hall, speaking earnestly in a tremulous
undertone to Braden Thorpe.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Braden, there's only one thing to do. We've got to have it
set aside, declared void. You may count on me, sir. I'll swear to his
actions. Crazy as a loon, sir,--? crazy as a loon."

CHAPTER XIX

Two days later George Tresslyn staggered weakly into Simmy Dodge's
apartment. He was not alone. A stalwart porter from an adjacent apartment
building was supporting him when Dodge's man opened the door.

"This Mr. Dodge?" demanded the porter.

"Mr. Dodge's man. Mr. Dodge isn't at 'ome," said Baffly quickly.

"All right," said the porter, pushing past the man and leading George
toward a couch he had observed from the open door. "This ain't no jag,
Johnny. He's sick. Out of his head. Batty. Say, don't you know him? Am I
in wrong? He said he wanted to come here to--"

George had tossed himself, sprawling, upon the long couch. His eyes were
closed and his breathing was stertorous.

"Of course I know him. What--what is the matter with him? My Gawd, man,
don't tell me he is dying. What do you mean, bringing 'im 'ere? There will
be a coroner's hinquest and--"

"You better get a doctor first. Waste no time. Get the coroner afterward
if you have to. You tell Mr. Dodge that he came into our place half an
hour ago and said he wanted to go up to his friend's apartment. He was
clean gone then. He wanted to lick the head porter for saying Mr. Dodge
didn't live in the buildin'. We saw in a minute that he hadn't been
drinkin'. Just as we was about to call an ambulance, a gentleman in our
building came along and reckonised him as young Mr. Tresslyn. Friend of
Mr. Dodge's. That was enough for us. So I brings him around. Now it's up
to you guys to look after him. Off his nut. My name's Jenks. Tell it to
Mr. Dodge, will you? And git a doctor quick. Put your hand here on his
head. Aw, he won't bite you! Put it _here_. Ever feel anything as hot as
that?"

Baffly arose to the occasion. "Mr. Dodge 'as been hexpecting Mr. Tresslyn.
He will also be hexpecting you, Mr. Jenks, at six o'clock this evening."

"All righ