men out in the almshouse just because they trusted too much in
human nature; and I wanted to show you how hard and cruel men can be and
excuse their piracy on the plea that it is business! I tell you, Matt
Peasley, when you've lived as long as I have you'll know men for the
swine they are whenever they see some real money in sight."

"Well, I shouldn't be surprised if you got the lesson over after all,"
Matt replied gravely. "You certainly made me step lively to keep from
getting run over. You scared me out of a year's growth."

Cappy laughed contentedly.

"And what are you going to do with all this money you admit you owe me
and decline to let me see the color of for a year?"

"Do you really want to know?" Matt queried.

"I'll take you to luncheon up at the Commercial Club if you'll tell me."

Matt bent low and whispered in Cappy's ear:

"I'm going to marry your daughter. I'll have to furnish a home and--"

"No excuse!" said Cappy fiercely. "Son, all you've got to buy is the
wedding ring and the license, and some clothes. I'm stuck for the
wedding expenses and you don't have to furnish a home. My house is big
enough for three, isn't it?"

"But this thing of living with your wife's relations--" Matt began
mischievously, until he saw the pain and the loneliness in Cappy's kind
old eyes. "Oh, well," he hastened to add, "pull it off to suit yourself;
but don't waste any time."

"In-fer-nal young scoundrel!" Cappy cried happily. "We've waited too
long already."

Florry was a June bride, and the proudest and happiest man present, not
excepting the groom, was old Cappy Ricks. He looked fully two inches
taller as he walked up the church aisle, with Florry on his arm, and
handed her over to Matt Peasley, waiting at the altar. And when the
ceremony was over, and Matt had entered the waiting limousine with his
bride, Cappy Ricks stood on the church steps among a dozen of his young
friends from the wholesale lumber and shipping trade and made a brief
oration.

"Take a good look at him, boys," he said proudly. "You fresh young
fellows will have to tangle with him one of these bright days; and when
you do he'll make hell look like a summer holiday to you. See if he
doesn't!"

Later, when Matt and Florry, about to leave on their honeymoon, were
saying good-bye, Matt put his huge arm round Cappy and gave him a filial
hug. Cappy's eyes filled with tears.

"I guess we understand each other, sonny," he said haltingly. "