to repeat it. I've known some pretty rough characters, as you
said a while ago; you learn a lot about human nature in a place like the
Blue Chip, Mr. North, and I've seen men going the way Vernon's headed
for, just because nobody believed there was anything in him to hold him
back. I'm trusting Vernon to pay it back and that's the very reason why
he will."

Mr. North cleared his throat.

"You're a--a damn'-fine young woman, Willa Murdaugh--and an uncommonly
wise one! We'll give the boy a chance. I hope he will realize some day
what he owes to you."

Willa hesitated and then her native honesty came uppermost.

"I haven't done this for him alone. I can't say that I wouldn't have, of
course, but I'm just freezing him out this hand." She smiled at the
other's bewilderment. "It's funny how everything reduces to poker terms,
isn't it? I'll send Vernon in."

"Wait! Let me understand this." North put out a detaining hand. "If
you're not doing this for that young scapegrace in there I'd like to know
in whose interest it is. Is there something else back of it?"

"If I tried to explain, Mr. North, you'd be in a worse muddle than ever,"
Willa told him candidly. "Dad always said you could take care of the pat
hands against you if you froze out the four-flushers.--Don't scold
Vernon, please. Remember, he's just balancing; a push either way will
determine his course for the future. I'll wait for him."

A long half-hour passed, but when she heard her name called in the
attorney's strangely subdued tones, Willa reentered the library to find
the two standing with clasped hands. Both were flushed and seemed to
find difficulty in speech, but at length Vernon burst out:

"Willa, he's a trump! I never realized what an utter beast I was until
now and it's just because he hasn't said anything that he might well
have! It isn't only the money, though I'll work like a dog to pay that
back----"

"I know you will, my boy!" North found his voice, although it was
suspiciously husky. "Willa's sure of you, too."

"That's it, that's what counts! A fellow couldn't help but be straight
with two such friends believing in him!" Vernon choked, but he squared
his shoulders. "Will you shake hands with me, too, Willa? I'm not going
to talk, I'm not going to try to thank you, but I'm going to show you! I
know what friendship means now, and I mean to be worthy of it!"

Their hands clasped, and, looking into his eyes, Willa sai