"Almost new," said Deaves. "The little blade is missing, but the big
blade is perfectly good if you sharpen it. Here," he said, suddenly
thrusting it at Evan as if in fear of repenting of his generosity.
"For you."

Evan resisted the impulse to laugh. After all the value of a gift is
its value to the giver. He pocketed it with thanks. It would make an
interesting souvenir. To produce it would cap the climax of the funny
story he meant to make out of this adventure. He turned to go.

"Don't be in a hurry," said Deaves. "Sit down and let's talk."

He evidently had something on his mind. Evan, curious to learn what it
could be, sat down on a trunk.

"You're a good boy, and a strong boy," said the old man. "I'd like to
do something for you."

"Don't mention it," said Evan grinning.

"Why don't you come every day and go out with me. I like to walk
about. I can't stay cooped up here. I like the streets. But people
recognise me."

"And make rude remarks," said Evan to himself.

"But with you I could go anywhere."

"Ah, a body-guard," thought Evan. The idea was not without its
attractions. It would be an amusing job. He said:

"If you want to hire me I'm willing. I need the money."

"Hire you!" said the old man in a panic. "I never said anything about
hiring you. I just mean a friendly arrangement. You have plenty of
time on your hands. I'll give you good advice. Show you how to become
a successful man."

"Thanks," said Evan dryly. "But the labels I paint bring in ready
money."

"Many a young man would be glad of the chance to go around with Simeon
Deaves," he went on cunningly. "It would be a liberal education for
you."

Evan got up. It was the best argument he knew.

"You could have your meals here," Deaves said quickly. "They eat well.
There's enough wasted in this house to feed an orphanage."

"Sorry," said Evan. "It doesn't appeal to me."

"Well, you could have a room on the top floor. You look pretty good;
Maud wouldn't mind you. Your living wouldn't cost you a cent."

Evan thought of the supercilious servants. Not for a bank president's
salary would he have lived in that house. He said: "I'm open for an
offer as I told you, but only during specified hours. I'd eat and
sleep at home."

"You're a fool!" said the old man testily. "Free board and lodging! I
haven't any money."

"All right," said Evan moving towards the door. "No harm done."

"Wait a minute.