her at the seaside, or wherever she
might spend the summer.

When Mr. French and Phil were ready, a day or two later, to start upon
their journey, Kirby was at the Mercedes to see them off.

"You're taking Judson with you to look after the boy?" he asked.

"No," replied Mr. French, "Judson is in love, and does not wish to
leave New York. He will take a vacation until we return. Phil and I
can get along very well alone."

Kirby went with them across the ferry to the Jersey side, and through
the station gates to the waiting train. There was a flurry of snow in
the air, and overcoats were comfortable. When Mr. French had turned
over his hand luggage to the porter of the Pullman, they walked up and
down the station platform.

"I'm looking for something to interest us," said Kirby, rolling a
cigarette. "There's a mining proposition in Utah, and a trolley
railroad in Oklahoma. When things are settled up here, I'll take a run
out, and look the ground over, and write to you."

"My dear fellow," said his friend, "don't hurry. Why should I make any
more money? I have all I shall ever need, and as much as will be good
for Phil. If you find a good thing, I can help you finance it; and
Mrs. Jerviss will welcome a good investment. But I shall take a long
rest, and then travel for a year or two, and after that settle down
and take life comfortably."

"That's the way you feel now," replied Kirby, lighting another
cigarette, "but wait until you are rested, and you'll yearn for the
fray; the first million only whets the appetite for more."

"All aboard!"

The word was passed along the line of cars. Kirby took leave of Phil,
into whose hand he had thrust a five-dollar bill, "To buy popcorn on
the train," he said, kissed the boy, and wrung his ex-partner's hand
warmly.

"Good-bye," he said, "and good luck. You'll hear from me soon. We're
partners still, you and I and Mrs. Jerviss."

And though Mr. French smiled acquiescence, and returned Kirby's hand
clasp with equal vigour and sincerity, he felt, as the train rolled
away, as one might feel who, after a long sojourn in an alien land, at
last takes ship for home. The mere act of leaving New York, after the
severance of all compelling ties, seemed to set in motion old currents
of feeling, which, moving slowly at the start, gathered momentum as
the miles rolled by, until his heart leaped forward to the old
Southern town which was his destination, and he soon felt himself
chafin