this studio Torp spoke about may be I cannot tell. That is Torp's
business. I have given him his route. He will dispassionately explain
the situation to the girl, and she will come back to Dick,--the more
especially because, to use Dick's words, "there is nothing but her
damned obstinacy to keep them apart."'

'And they have four hundred and twenty pounds a year between 'em.

Dick never lost his head for figures, even in his delirium. You haven't
the shadow of an excuse for not going,' said the Nilghai.

Torpenhow looked very uncomfortable. 'But it's absurd and impossible. I
can't drag her back by the hair.'

'Our business--the business for which we draw our money--is to do absurd
and impossible things,--generally with no reason whatever except to
amuse the public. Here we have a reason. The rest doesn't matter. I
shall share these rooms with the Nilghai till Torpenhow returns. There
will be a batch of unbridled "specials" coming to town in a little
while, and these will serve as their headquarters. Another reason for
sending Torpenhow away. Thus Providence helps those who help others,
and'--here the Keneu dropped his measured speech--'we can't have you
tied by the leg to Dick when the trouble begins. It's your only chance
of getting away; and Dick will be grateful.'

'He will,--worse luck! I can but go and try. I can't conceive a woman in
her senses refusing Dick.'

'Talk that out with the girl. I have seen you wheedle an angry Mahdieh
woman into giving you dates. This won't be a tithe as difficult. You had
better not be here to-morrow afternoon, because the Nilghai and I will
be in possession. It is an order. Obey.'

'Dick,' said Torpenhow, next morning, 'can I do anything for you?'

'No! Leave me alone. How often must I remind you that I'm blind?'

'Nothing I could go for to fetch for to carry for to bring?'

'No. Take those infernal creaking boots of yours away.'

'Poor chap!' said Torpenhow to himself. 'I must have been sitting on his
nerves lately. He wants a lighter step.' Then, aloud, 'Very well. Since
you're so independent, I'm going off for four or five days. Say good-bye
at least. The housekeeper will look after you, and Keneu has my rooms.'

Dick's face fell. 'You won't be longer than a week at the outside? I
know I'm touched in the temper, but I can't get on without you.'

'Can't you? You'll have to do without me in a little time, and you'll be
glad I'm gone.'

Dick felt his way back to the