dash it, no!" I responded absently, and my eyes coasted up the
slope again--then dropped back disappointedly, for she had disappeared
within the pavilion.

"Of course, rich people has got privileges," Mr. O'Keefe was ruminating
somberly; "and I ain't saying a word, not a word, mind you!"--the glove
that lightly emphasized this displayed all fingers widely and generously
spread. "The captain'll tell you he ain't having to tell me, like some
of 'em, to be careful about keeping off the grass"--he shrugged--"oh,
well, perhaps enough said!"--and he turned away.

Then he turned back. "Of course, that other part of it"--it would seem
that his club, extended pistol-like, was not leveled at Jenkins so much
as at the pajamas--"of course, nobody can't _help_ that--that's
Nature--I'm some that way myself, though nothing like _so_ much, and
nothing like so heavy as I was. We'll leave that part out of it--_I'm_
willing--but, _gentlemen_"--Jenkins paled, and swayed so horribly, I was
almost sure he would go--"when it comes to--comes to--" With a helpless
head-shake, he gave it up and contented himself with expectorating
violently upon the ground. Then he moved slowly away.

His helmet tossed as he looked back. "I guess we _all_'ve got our little
prejudices," he remarked sententiously; "I know _I_ have! I'm from the
South!"

And without another word, Mr. O'Keefe presented his broad back to us,
and swinging his stick carelessly, sauntered down the drive.

"What the deuce!" I exclaimed, looking after him. "I say, Jenkins, what
did he mean?"

Jenkins' face expressed mild reproach and surprise.

"Can it possibly matter, sir?" he questioned wearily. "Persons
of--er--that sort, you know, sir?"

"Jove!" I uttered, relieved.

Jenkins' coldly elevated brows dismissed the matter from further
consideration. He lifted the parcel with a slight gesture of inquiry.

I had already come to a decision about it: I would send it to Billings!
Perhaps the retrieving of the pajamas would have a soothing effect upon
his poor mind!

I gave Jenkins instructions. "H'm! Of course, manage to speak with him
alone," I cautioned, having thought of Judge Billings; "and don't forget
the message."

"Certainly, sir," said Jenkins attentively. "I'm just to say: 'Mr.
Lightnut's compliments, sir, and he says _you'll_ know what to do with
these.'"

I nodded. "Exactly, and I'll wait here--but, oh, hurry, dash it!" And I
looked longingly at the pavilion and t