hat he, Septimus, alone of mortals, was responsible for the great
decision. And while Septimus wondered what the deuce he meant, he rang the
bell and summoned Shuttleworth.

The dismal manager entered the room. On seeing Sypher's cheery face, his
own brightened.

"I've thought the matter over, Shuttleworth."

"And you've decided--"

"To refuse the offer, absolutely."

The manager gasped. "But, Mr. Sypher, have you reflected--"

"My good Shuttleworth," said Sypher, "in all the years we've worked
together have you ever known me to say I've made up my mind when I
haven't?"

Shuttleworth marched out of the room and banged the door, and went forth to
declare to the world his opinion of Clem Sypher. He had always been half
crazy; now he had gone stick, stark, staring, raving, biting mad. And those
to whom he told the tale agreed with him.

But Sypher laughed his great laugh.

"Poor Shuttleworth! He has worked hard to bring off this deal. I'm sorry
for him. But one can't serve God and Mammon."

Septimus rose and took his hat. "I think it awfully wonderful of you," he
said. "I really do. I should like to talk to you about it--but I must go
and see Emmy. She came last night."

Sypher inquired politely after her health, also that of her baby.

"He's taking such a deuce of a time to grow up," said Septimus. "Otherwise
he's well. He's got a tooth. I've been wondering why no dentist has ever
invented a set of false teeth for babies."

"Then your turn would come," laughed Sypher, "for you would have to invent
them a cast-iron inside."

Before Septimus went, Sypher thrust a gold-headed umbrella into his hands.

"It's pouring with rain, and you'll wade about and get wet through. I make
a rule never to lend umbrellas, so I give you this from a grateful heart.
God bless you."

CHAPTER XXII

The little flat in Chelsea, cleaned, swept and garnished by the wife of the
porter of the Mansions, received Emmy, her babe, Madame Bolivard and
multitudinous luggage. All the pretty fripperies and frivolities had been
freshened and refurbished since their desecration at alien hands, and the
place looked cheery and homelike; but Emmy found it surprisingly small, and
was amazed to discover the prodigious space taken up by the baby. When she
drew Septimus's attention to this phenomenon he accounted for it by saying
that it was because he had such a very big name, which was an excellent
thing in that it would enable him to oc