e or other--I cannot promise when--and when we are able
to use it we will pay you according to our usual standard. More I
cannot say at present."

Douglas rose up with a sense of sick disappointment at his heart, but
with a firm determination also to carry himself like a man.

"I am much obliged to you," he said. "I will think the matter over and
let you know."

Drexley watched the struggle. He, too, had been young, and he hated
himself.

"You had better leave us your address," he said. "We will let you know,
then, if we see a chance of using more of your work."

Douglas hesitated.

"When I have an address," he said, "I will write to you. At present I
have not made my arrangements in London."

Drexley let him go, despising himself, with a vague feeling of
irritation, too, against the beautiful face which smiled at him from his
table. Douglas's one idea was to get out of the place. He had no wish
to see Rice or any one. But on the landing he came face to face with
the latter, who had not as yet gone into his room.

"Hullo," he exclaimed. "You're soon off. Have you finished with 'the
chief' already?"

Douglas nodded with tightening lips.

"He hadn't much to say to me," he answered. "Good afternoon."

Rice let his hand fall upon the other's shoulder.

"I don't understand," he said. "Here, come into my room for a minute."

Douglas yielded, and Rice listened to the description of his interview,
his little wizened face puckered up with astonishment. When he had
finished he thrust a box of cigarettes towards his visitor and rose from
his chair.

"Here," he said, "just wait here a moment. I must have a word with the
chief."

He turned out. He was gone for several minutes. When he returned his
face was grave and puzzled.

"Jesson," he said, "I'll be frank with you. Either the chief's gone off
his nut, or you managed to offend him somehow. I can't understand it a
bit, I'll confess. I'm fairly staggered."

"I hadn't a chance to offend him," Douglas said. "He simply sat on me."

Rice walked up and down the room.

"I wish you'd leave me your address," he said. "I'd like to look into
this a bit."

Douglas sighed.

"I can only tell you" he said, "what I told Mr. Drexley. At present I
haven't one. Good afternoon."

Rice walked with him to the door.

"Jesson," he said, "I want you to promise me something."

"Well?"

"You're a bit down on your luck. If things go badly you'll give me a
look up. I can alw