ks I'm a canary."

"Whereas you're an eagle."

"Or a vulture."

Cutty chew up a chair. "Frankly, I believe a good breakfast will put you
a peg up."

"A beefsteak!" Hawksley stared ecstatically at the ceiling. "You see,
I'm naturally tough. Always went in for rough sports--football, rowing,
boxing. Poor old Stefani's idea; and not so bad, either. Of course he
was always worrying about my hands; but I always took great care to keep
them soft and pliant. Which sounds rummy, considering the pounding I
used to give and take. My word, I used to go to bed with my hands done
up in ointments like a professional beauty! Of course I'm dizzy yet, and
the bally spot is sore; but solid food and some exercise will have me
off your hands in no time. I don't fancy being coddled, y'know. I've
been trouble enough."

"Don't let that worry you. I'll bring some togs in; flannels and soft
shirts. We're about the same height. Anyhow, the difference won't be
noticeable in flannels. I've had to tell Miss Conover a bit of fiction.
I'll tell you, so if need arises you can back me up."

When Cutty finished his romance Hawksley frowned. "All said and done,
if I'm not that splendid old chap's protege, what am I? But for his
patience and kindness I'd have run true to the blood. He was with me at
the balancing age, when a chap becomes a man or a rotter. He actually
gave up a brilliant career because of me. He is a great musician, with
that strange faculty of taking souls out of people and untwisting them.
I have the gift, too, in a way; but there's always a bit of the devil in
me when I play. Natural bent, I fancy. And they've killed him!"

"No," said Cutty, slowly. "But this is for your ear alone: He's alive;
and one of these days I'll bring him to you. So buck up."

"Alive! Stefani alive!" whispered Hawksley. He stretched out his hand
rather blindly, and Cutty was surprised at the strength of the grip.
"Makes me feel choky. I say, are all Americans good Samaritans?"

Cutty put this aside because he did not care to disillusion Hawksley.
"I found an appraiser's receipt in your wallet. You carried some fine
jewels. Did you hide them or did Karlov get them? It struck me as
odd that you haven't inquired about them." The change that came into
Hawksley's face alarmed Cutty. The rich olive skin became chalky and the
eyes closed. "What is it? Shall I call Miss Frances?"

"No." Hawksley opened his eyes, but looked dully straight ahead. "The
stones!