on, my lad. As for
me, I am, in a manner of speaking, reborn. I have taken a new start.
Careful reflection upon the providential outcome of that amazing skid
has convinced me that whatever joys or sorrows assail me hereafter,
however much or little of life is spared me, it will be all 'velvet.' A
touch of mascaro about my temples and I shall look as young as I did
yesterday. What are we going to do to-night?"

"I dunno."

Once inside his spacious suite, Buddy flung himself into a chair and
with trembling fingers lit a cigarette. It was evident that he had
something to say, but either dreaded saying it or knew not where to
begin. His companion, meanwhile, pretended to look out upon the street
below. In reality, he was observing the young giant. Poor Buddy! He was
suffering.

The latter cleared his throat several times before he managed to say,
"You don't want me to marry Arline, do you, Mr. Gray?"

"Frankly, my boy, I do not."

"Why?"

"There are many reasons."

"What's one?"

"I don't think you love her."

Briskow stirred. "Is that why you--went an' got that di'mon' ring I had
made?" When this query met with a nod the young Texan's face flamed and
his eyes glowed. "What in hell--" He swallowed his anger, rose to his
feet and made a nervous circuit of the room before coming to a pause at
Gray's side. His lips were working; there was a tragic, a piteous
appeal in his eyes; his voice shook as he stammered: "I didn't mean to
break out at you, Mr. Gray. I like you. Gee! I--You're kinda like God
to me. I'd ruther be like you than--well, there ain't nobody I like
like I like you--You could get her away from me if you wanted to,
but--you wouldn't do a trick like that, would you? I was mighty happy
till you came--You--got that ring with you?"

"I have it in my pocket."

"I want it." Buddy extended a quivering hand.

"Why?"

"I'm goin' to ask her to marry me, to-day. If she won't I'm goin' to--"

"She will."

Buddy gasped. "You _sure?_"

"I'm quite sure she would if you asked her. But I don't want you to ask
her." When an expression of pained reproach leaped into the lad's face,
the speaker explained, quickly: "Don't think for a moment that I care
for her, nor that she has the slightest interest in me. It is you that
I care for. What you just said pleased me, touched me. I wish you could
understand how much I really do care for you, Buddy. Won't you wait--a
few days, before you--"

"I _can't_ wait."

"Y