s
meet.

The second person at the breakfast table was an exceedingly pretty
girl, who looked none the less refined and attractive because her black
dress was of the plainest. She was chattering gaily as Phillips came in.
She appeared to have a proper respect and affection for her father,
whose words she seemed to hang upon. The Major looked up from the table
and nodded genially.

"You are punctual, Phillips," he said. "I am afraid I am a little late
this morning. Alice, my dear, this is Mr. Phillips. He is the
distinguished journalist I was telling you about last night. We are both
connected with the same papers."

As the Major spoke, he winked swiftly at Phillips, and the latter
smiled. What the Major was driving at he hadn't the remotest idea.

"Oh, yes," he murmured. "The Major and I are old friends."

The girl smiled pleasantly. She appeared a trifle shy, and gave Phillips
the impression that she had no friends, and that her young life was, for
the most part, a constant sacrifice for her selfish and dissipated
father. She rose presently, and with an excuse left the two men
together. Immediately she was gone the Major crossed the room and
produced a bottle of brandy, from which he helped himself liberally.
Phillips curtly refused.

"I met some old friends last night," the Major said. "I am afraid I was
just a little--well, you know how it is."

"I do," Phillips said shortly. "But what did you tell that lie for? What
have we got to do with journalism?"

"My dear sir, there are times when one must dissemble. I know I am a bit
of an old scamp, but, you see, my daughter doesn't know it. I wouldn't
for worlds like her to know the life I am leading. She is a good girl
and believes in me, and I have managed to give her a fine education. She
is the only thing I have in the world to care for. She is the only thing
that has kept me from going headlong to the dogs. I daresay when I am
done with, some of my relations will look after her. Meanwhile, they
take precious good care to keep me at arm's length. I don't blame them,
either. I hit upon the journalistic dodge to account for my late hours.
I was afraid you might give me away. I am bound to tell you this, and I
hope you will respect my confidence. Well, now, what do you want me for?
Sit down a minute."

"I have come to put a little money in your way," Phillips replied. "I
gave you a hint of what I was after the night before last. They tell me
you are a member of