It was my time
to act.

"Then that settles it. You are coming with me. No! don't shake your
head; I shall have my way this time. There is a respectable all-night
place over there on Desmet Street. I ate there once a week ago. We
'll go together."

She drew back, still clinging helplessly to the rail, her eyes on my
face.

"Oh! you must not--I--"

My hand touched her arm.

"Yes, but I shall," I insisted, almost sternly. "Good Heavens, do you
suppose I will leave you here on the street hungry? I 'd never rest
easy another night as long as I lived. You are going with me."

Feeling my determination she made no further resistance, and I half
supported her as we moved slowly forward through the mist, her face
turned away, her arm trembling beneath the firm clasp of my fingers.
As we advanced I became conscious that my own position was an awkward
one. I had no money of my own with me--not a cent other than those two
five-hundred dollar bills handed me by Vail. The uselessness of
attempting to pass one of these was apparent; it would be better to
plead lack of cash, and put up some security if the man in charge
refused credit. At whatever cost the girl must have food.

It was much brighter on Desmet Street, numerous electric signs,
advertising various places of business, even at this late hour,
continuing to exhibit their rotating colors, while not a few of the
shop windows remained brilliantly illuminated. Occasionally a belated
pedestrian passed, while trolley-cars clanged their way through the
fog, approaching and vanishing in a purple haze. Three doors around
the corner was the all-night restaurant, through the glass front
revealing a lunch counter, and a number of cloth-draped tables awaiting
occupants. A few of these were in use, a single waiter catering to the
guests; a woman was scrubbing the floor under the cigar stand, while a
round-faced, rather genial-looking young fellow, stood, leaning
negligently against the cashier's desk. Rather doubtfully I glanced
uneasily up and down the deserted street, and then aside into the still
averted face of my chance companion. I had no desire she should
comprehend my dilemma.

"Would you mind waiting out here on the step a moment?" I questioned
awkwardly, attempting to explain. "Only until I make sure who are
inside. There are some fellows I am not friendly with, and I am not
hunting a rough house with a girl to look after. You won't care for
just a m