dren, Miss Burton! My big sister read in a movie
magazine where it said he's just crazy about them."

"I know, but--he's not in good health, children. They say he got jungle
fever in Africa, where he was shooting all those lions, and
rhinoceroses, and elephants for his new picture. That's why you mustn't
bother him too much."

"But he looks so big and strong, Miss Burton. It wouldn't hurt him to
sign an autograph!"

"Oh, yes, it would," asserted one little girl. "He shakes. When he has
an attack of fever, his hand shakes."

"Yes, Africa is a dangerous continent, and one never knows how the
dangers will strike one," said Miss Burton complacently. "So we must all
remember how bravely Mr. George is fighting his misfortune, and do our
best not to tire him out."

* * * * *

In the bright light that flooded the afternoon breakfast table, Curt
George's handsome, manly face wore an expression of distress. He groaned
dismally, and muttered, "What a head I've got, what a head. How do you
expect me to face that gang of kids without a drink to pick me up?"

"You've had your drink," said Carol. She was slim, attractive, and
efficient. At the moment she was being more efficient than attractive,
and she could sense his resentment. "That's all you get. Now, lay off,
and try to be reasonably sober, for a change."

"But those kids! They'll squeal and giggle--"

"They're about the only audience in the world that won't spot you as a
drunk. God knows where I could find any one else who'd believe that your
hand shakes because of fever."

"I know that you're looking out for my best interests, Carol. But one
more drink wouldn't hurt me."

She said wearily, but firmly, "I don't argue with drunks, Curt. I just
go ahead and protect them from themselves. No drinks."

"Afterwards?"

"I can't watch you the way a mother watches a child."

The contemptuous reply sent his mind off on a new tack. "You could if we
were married."

"I've never believed in marrying weak characters to reform them."

"But if I proved to you that I could change--"

"Prove it first, and I'll consider your proposal afterwards."

"You certainly are a cold-blooded creature, Carol. But I suppose that in
your profession you have to be."

"Cold, suspicious, nasty--and reliable. It's inevitable when I must deal
with such warm-hearted, trusting, and unreliable clients."

He watched her move about the room, clearing awa