ood. A better opportunity would present itself, or could be
made.

In the meantime, however, he must convey to Herbert Ransome Shaw some
idea of the utter contempt in which he held him. Taking Griggs
confidentially by the arm, Laurie pointed out the skulking shadow.

"See that?" he asked in ringing tones.

Griggs was a Goliath in proportions and deliberate in his movements. He
took his time to discover the object young Devon indicated. In the
shadow the object stirred restlessly.

"Yessir," Griggs then said, uncertainly. "It's--it's a man, sir."

"Is it?" asked Laurie with interest, and still in loud, clear tones.
"I'm afraid you're mistaken. But whatever it is, _step_ on it!"

He entered the elevator after this crisp instruction, and was wafted up
to his rooms. The hall man moved hesitatingly down the building's three
steps to the sidewalk. One never knew exactly what young Devon was
getting at. Still, if he really wanted Griggs to step on anything--

Griggs stopped. A slight sensation of disappointment swept over him. He
was a conscientious man who desired to do his duty. But there was
absolutely nothing for him to step on, except the snow-covered and
otherwise inoffensive pavement.

CHAPTER VIII

SAMUEL PLAYS A NEW GAME

The next morning Laurie awoke from troubled dreams with a vague feeling
that life was getting a rise out of him, a feeling that the absent
morning greeting of Rodney Bangs did not help to dissipate.

Without realizing it, young Devon had rather sunned himself in the
adulation of his chum. When this adulation was removed, he missed it;
and for the present, at least, there was no question that adulation was
lacking.

Not that Bangs failed in any of the outward forms of friendship, but his
manner had changed. He was increasingly preoccupied. When Laurie spoke,
Bangs had the effect of coming to him from a long distance, and even of
having one foot extended, as it were, for the return journey.

The two young men breakfasted together, for the first time in several
days; and over their coffee and cigarettes Laurie confided to his friend
his new anxiety about Mrs. Ordway.

Bangs at once became human. Indeed, he showed a degree of solicitude
that surprised his friend. It was suddenly clear that Rodney was vastly
interested in Louise. He had even ventured to call on her, though Laurie
did not yet know this; for the first call was made, as it happened, on
the afternoon of the day when t