s so strange to me
that everybody, that is everybody but Jim Thorpe and you, dislikes
him. Even Will does a little, I--I'm afraid."

"Yes. You can't say how it is," Peter nodded. "But folks can't be
blamed for their likes and dislikes. Maybe Will will get over it.
Y'see he's just a wild sort of Irish boy. He's just quicksilver. Yes,
yes, he'll maybe grow to be as fond of the lad as you, Eve. But any
time you find you'd like me to have him for a bit--I mean--sort
of--two's company, you know--you'll just be making me a happy
man--eh?"

It was a cheery voice behind him that caused his exclamation. Annie
Gay stepped briskly up the path.

"Why, it's Peter!" she declared. "Now if it had been Will," she added
slyly. "But there, young engaged girls think they're safe from
scandalous tongues like mine. Going, Peter? I've just been down to the
meat store and stolen an elegant bit of tripe. Now, if Eve's only
sensible and got some onions, why there's a lunch fit for the
President."

"Oh yes, I've got onions," Eve reassured her. Then she turned to the
man. "Good-bye, Peter," she said, as he edged away, "and thank
you----"

But Peter would have no thanks.

"No thanks, Eve, I'd take it a favor."

And he vanished in the darkness leaving Annie looking at Eve, who
instantly began to explain as they went indoors.

"He thinks Elia will be in the way when Will and I are married," she
said. "He wants to look after him. Isn't he kind?"

"Well?" Annie's merry eyes were deadly serious.

"Of course I couldn't think of it. I could never let him go. I----"

"Eve Marsham, you're a--fool, and now I've said it. Do you know why
Peter wants----?"

She broke off in confusion. But she had successfully aroused Eve's
curiosity.

"Well? Go on," she demanded.

But Annie shook a decided head.

"It don't matter. I was only thinking my own thoughts, and they began
one way and finished another."

"How did they finish?" Annie's manner was quaintly amusing and Eve
found herself smiling.

"I'd just called you a fool, an'--I'd forgot to include myself."

Nor could she be induced to speak further on the matter.

CHAPTER X

AN EVIL NIGHT

Peter lumbered heavily away from the house. He had known the futility
of his request beforehand. Yet he had to make it even on the smallest
chance. And now, more than ever, in spite of his disappointment, he
saw how imperative it was that some one should stand by to help any
one of these three.