nowing--yes, sir!"

"But the police?"

"Perlice!" snorted Mrs. Trapes. "M'Ginnis an' his father have a big pull
with Tammany, an' Tammany is the perlice. Anyways, Mr. Geoffrey, don't
you go having no trouble with Bud M'Ginnis; leave him to some one as is
as much a brute-beast as he is."

"But then--what of Spike?"

"Oh, drat him! If Arthur ain't got the horse sense to know who's his
worst enemy, he ain't worth a clean man riskin' his life over--for it
would be your life you'd risk, Mr. Geoffrey--mark my words!"

"Mrs. Trapes, your anxiety on my account flatters me, also I'm glad to
know you think me a clean man. But all men must take risks--some for
money, some for honour, and some for the pure love of it. Personally, I
rather like a little risk--just a suspicion, if it's for something worth
while."

"Mr. Geoffrey, what are you gettin' at?"

"Well, I would remind you that Spike has--a sister!"

"Ah!" said Mrs. Trapes, and her lined face took on a sudden anxious
expression.

"Therefore, I've been contemplating--er--tackling Mr. M'Ginnis--at a
proper and auspicious time, of course."

"An' what o' the gang?"

"Oh, drat the gang, Mrs. Trapes."

"But you don't mean as you'd fight M'Ginnis?"

"Well--er--the thought has occurred to me, Mrs. Trapes, though I'm quite
undecided on the matter, and--er--I believe my breakfast is burning!"

"My land!" ejaculated Mrs. Trapes, turning to snatch the pan from the
stove, "I'm afraid the fire's ketched it a bit, Mr. Geoffrey--"

"No matter."

"An' now there's the coffee b'ilin' over!"

"Let me help you," said Ravenslee, rising.

"Anyway, your breakfast's ready, so come an' eat it while it's good an'
hot."

"On condition that you eat with me."

"What, eat wi' you, Mr. Geoffrey--in my best parlour--an' me in me
workin' clo'es?"

"Ah, to be sure--not to be thought of, Mrs. Trapes; then we'll breakfast
here in the kitchen."

"Would ye mind?"

"Should love it."

So down they sat together, and Ravenslee vowed the ham was all ham
should be and the eggs beyond praise. And when his hunger was somewhat
appeased, Mrs. Trapes leaned her bony elbows on the table and questioned
him.

"You ain't ever spoke to Hermy, have you, Mr. Geoffrey?"

"Very often, lately."

"I mean--you ain't opened your 'eart to her--matrimonially, have you?"

"No!"

"Why, then, I'll tell you what--there's been times when I've been afraid
that for the sake o' that b'y she'd sacrifice hers