in. You can
see it when chaps are training--that extra cigarette--the whiskey and
soda that isn't allowed plays the devil with their constitution. I
know when I was at----" He stopped for Auriole's large eyes were
looking at him critically.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied. "Nothing." Then to everyone's amazement burst
out: "What a mean rotter you are, though."

"Here----" he began.

"I honestly believe you enjoy all this beastliness."

"Enjoy? My dear girl, do be sensible. Damn it, no one enjoys having
to put on the screw. It's a case of necessity."

"Yes, yes, I suppose it is," she acquiesced hurriedly in an effort to
regain her composure. "Only it seemed to me--but never mind."

Ezra P. Hipps crossed the room and put a hand on her arm.

"Come on, dear. What's the trouble?"

"I wouldn't mind," she returned, "if he weren't so--so desperately
plucky."

"Hm!" said Van Diest. "I think it was a goot idea that you don't go to
see this young man any more."

"That's nonsense," she replied hotly. "I'll see him. Besides he's
used to my coming and if I didn't turn up he----"

"Disappointed," suggested Hipps.

"Exactly," said Laurence. "Perhaps it 'ud be a good idea to vary the
programme for a day or two. Use the siren a bit more freely at night
and cut down his water supply. If he isn't ready to talk in another
forty-eight hours I'll be surprised."

"Had a word with him yet?" demanded Hipps.

"Not this morning."

"Then you and Van try a few sweet speeches."

The Dutchman rose heavily from his chair and nodded.

"It was a bad business all this," he said. "You come with us--no?"

"I'll be right along in just a minute."

He tilted his head a fraction toward Auriole and laid a finger on his
lips.

Van Diest and Laurence went out. He waited until he heard their
footsteps mounting the stairs before he spoke again. Auriole was
looking through the window at the trees margining the little estate.
She presented a charming silhouette against the light.

"Say, you look very womanly in that fawn outfit," said Hipps. "Where
did you get it built?"

She turned with a smile that was a shade cynical.

"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Hipps."

"I do--fine."

"I'll wear it again."

"You've passed down the wardrobe hooks pretty prodigal these last few
days. What is it--a dress parade?"

"One changes," she replied.

"That's sure what I'm frightened of."

"If you'd rather I appea