Kendrick smiled at the transparency of this attempt.

"I recognized his voice for one thing. Stinson was speeding the
parting guests--the three who drank out of the glasses yonder. Pshaw,
you know as well as I do that you sent me that wire to clear the way
for this little affair to-night, and you're wishing right now that I
was at the bottom of the lake! But it's all right, Uncle Milt."

His uncle did not laugh. Instead he eyed the younger man from beneath
heavy brows that met in a scowl.

"Sherlock Holmes, eh? When'd you start emulating Sherlock Holmes?" he
growled. "Been a meeting here--yes--business. What of it?"

"Nothing at all, if you say so. Only don't make the mistake of
thinking I'm still a mere kid, Uncle Milt. I'd hate to think there was
any other reason why you have never admitted me to your confidence.
Did it ever occur to you that perhaps I might--well, sort of dig in and
help you in some way? You and Aunt Dolly have been mighty good to me
and I kind of feel---- Well, you know what I mean," he finished
diffidently.

The Honorable Milton Waring's brows unbent. His gaze wandered
automatically to the pile of papers on the desk and for a moment he was
silent.

"There is nothing you can do, Phil---- Phill_up_,----to help," he said
at last, shaking his head slowly, while the tired lines deepened about
his eyes. "I----thanks all same."

Kendrick hunched his chair nearer and laid a hand on the other's knee.

"You're in trouble of some kind," he said earnestly. "Please don't try
to deny it, Uncle Milt. I promised Billy Thorpe I'd join him next week
on a fishing trip, but that's all off if I can be of any use to you.
That special course in engineering next fall--that's all off, too, if
you need me. It's my duty to help and it's your duty to let me. We
both owe it to Aunt Dolly, don't we?"

A look of apprehension sprang into the tired eyes. He waved his hand
swiftly towards the empty glasses.

"Your aunt--she must know nothing of--all this. I warn you now,
Phil'p,--not a word. No use causing her needless worry. Her social
duties, understand,---- These business affairs----" His voice trailed
again and he looked anxiously for his nephew's acquiescence.

"That goes as a matter of course," nodded Kendrick. "So far as I am
concerned, this little chat with you has never taken place and there's
been nobody here except the servants--so far as I am concerned. But is
there any danger of