ed to strike him strongly for an interval.
Then, mercifully, he repeated his intention of tramping.

"And then?" said Garry.

"Then," said Kenny with the utmost optimism, "I'll pick up his trail at
the farmhouse and from there I'll travel night and day until I overtake
him."

"And then?"

"The lad will come home with me."

"And then?"

"Good God, Garry," thundered Kenny, "I never knew anybody with such an
'And then?' sort of mind as you seem to have. There's an 'And then?'
doubt after every glorious climax. He'll be home. That's sufficient."

"What about the scrapbook?"

"I've already sent it."

Garry glanced hopelessly at the melee on the floor.

"I suppose," he said coldly, "that you plan to go sagging along the
highway with a suit case in each hand and a bag or two on your back?"

"I plan," retorted Kenny, "to depart from here with one suit case which
will eventually become a knapsack. The problem now is entirely one of
elimination. Have you anything to do, Garry?"

"I have," said Garry distinctly.

Kenny looked hurt.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Because you're a jewel at eliminatin'. I mind
me of the sketching trip we took together. You did all of the packing
then in a marvelous way."

Hopelessly uncertain what he ought to do, Garry lingered. If by a word
he could restrain this madcap penitent from roving off in a fit of
sentimentality it must be spoken forcibly and at once.

"Brian," he said, "will never forgive me."

"Brian," said Kenny, "is a jewel for sense. He'll love you for it."

Garry flung himself into a chair with a muttered imprecation.

"Now, Kenny," he said, "I want you to tell me precisely what you plan
to do."

Nothing loathe, Kenny obeyed. He liked to talk. Garry found his plans
indefinite and highly romantic. It was plain the notion of footsore
penance had taken vigorous hold of his imagination and his love of
adventure. Characteristically, since the actor on the highway was
himself, he saw no chance of failure. To Garry's curt "ifs" he turned
a deaf ear and sulked.

In the end they quarreled badly. Garry, raging inwardly, went home in
despair; and Kenny, after a tumultuous period of indecision, eliminated
a floorful of luggage. In the rebound he took less than he should.
He was ready to go when the door opened and the head of Sidney Fahr
appeared. Instantly his round eyes bulged with inquiry.

"Lord Almighty, Kenny," he said. "You--you're not off for anyw