come out in three days frisking and happy. But
you can't do that with people."

"Why not?" he asked. "Although, of course, the supply of out ovens and
old shoes is limited here."

"As far as Mr. von Inwald goes," I went on, "that's not your affair or
mine. If Miss Patty's own father can't prevent it, why should you worry
about it?"

"Precisely," he agreed. "Why should I? But I do, Minnie--that's the
devil of it."

"There are plenty of nice girls," I suggested, feeling rather sorry for
him.

"Are there? Oh, I dare say." He stooped and picked up his rabbit.
"Straight through the head; not so bad for twilight. Poor little chap!"

He said good night and went out, taking the gun and the rabbit with him,
and I went into the pantry to finish straightening things for the night.
In a few minutes I heard voices in the other room, one Mr. Pierce's, and
one with a strong German accent.

"When was that?" Mr. von Inwald's voice.

"A year ago, in Vienna."

"Where?"

"At the Bal Tabarin. You were in a loge. The man I was with told me who
the woman was. It was she, I think, who suggested that you lean over the
rail--"

"Ah, so!" said Mr. von Inwald as if he just remembered. "Ah, yes, I
recall--I was with--the lady was red-haired, is it not? And it was she
who desired me--"

"You leaned over the rail and poured a glass of wine on my head. It was
very funny. The lady was charmed."

"I recall it perfectly. I remember that I did it under protest--it was a
very fine wine, and expensive."

"Then you also recall," said Mr. Pierce, very quietly, "that because
you were with a--well, because you were with a woman, I could not return
your compliment. But I demanded the privilege at some future date when
you were alone."

"It is a pity," replied Mr. von Inwald, "that now, when I am alone,
there is no wine!"

"No, there is no wine," Mr. Pierce agreed slowly, "but there is--"

I opened the door at that, and both of them started. Mr. von Inwald was
standing with his arms folded, and Mr. Pierce had one arm raised holding
up a glass of spring water. In another second it would have been in the
other man's face.

I walked over to Mr. Pierce and took the glass out of his hand, and his
expression was funny to see.

"I've been looking everywhere for that glass," I said. "It's got to be
washed."

Mr. von Inwald laughed and picked up his soft hat from the table.

He turned around at the door and looked back at Mr. Pierce, still
l