back," said Henty; "I've got the live stock to sell yet."

Bill Watson and Evan excused themselves and went into a side office.
It was their first opportunity to speak of old times.

"I can't tell you how glad I am you've made good, Evan," said Bill.
"How did it all happen?"

Evan briefly related his experience since quitting the bank. Watson
listened with interest until it leaked out who "X. Bankclerk" was,
after which his silence changed to: "God love you for that!"

Without heeding the exclamation Evan continued with his story, and
finally announced his intention of starting a bank union.

"You can do it," said Bill, enthusiastically, "and I'll back you if you
need more money. I knew it would come. It had to come!" Then, "Won't
you come down and see Hazel?"

"What, you're married!" cried Evan.

"You bet. I kept her waiting long enough, didn't I? But say--won't
you come down and see her? I've got something more startling still to
tell you about; two things!"

Evan wanted to see Hazel and to have a visit with Bill. He persuaded
A. P. to stay over a day.

Hazel was a changed girl. There was the same old peculiar fire in her
eyes, but she was now healthy and happy looking.

"How good it is to see you, Evan," she said, giving his hand a generous
squeeze. "Look who's here!"--pointing to a cradle.

Evan got on his knees to the baby, who acknowledged the attention with
a coo.

"I'll bet you have started already to spoil him! By the way, Hazel,
the little chap reminds me: how did you win Bill all so suddenly?"

Hazel smiled happily:

"Only about a month after you wrote Billy he came down to Hamilton and
informed me we were going West--together."

Bill turned and looked at Evan.

After supper, while Henty was dividing his attention between Hazel and
the baby, Bill whispered to Evan:

"The boy is one of the surprises I had for you. I've got another--come
in the smoking-room."

Nelson followed, excusing himself with Hazel and Henty.

"Haven't you been wondering, Evan," said Bill, puffing in his wonted
fashion at a cigarette, "how I got--well, where I am?"

"I admit I have, Bill."

"Well, just listen to my story, and ask questions when I'm through....
Shortly after receiving your Hamilton letter I made up my mind to get
some money somewhere and marry Hazel. She was working her head off and
worrying herself to death about me; I couldn't stand it any longer. I
made up my mind to _get money_.