nt; while Polly sank down in one of the Turkish arm-chairs
recently occupied by the two plotting match-makers.

Mr. Dalken rolled his eyes ceiling-ward and complained: "I can't
understand why I should be chosen by Providence to act as peace-maker
between jealous lovers, or quarrelsome husbands and wives. It is one of
the most thankless jobs a man can have."

Tom laughed in spite of his eagerness to be told the details. "Maybe it
is because you have so much _feeling_ for heartsick mortals," said he.

Mr. Dalken looked serious. "Yes, Tom my boy, you spoke the truth there.
If anyone knows the misery caused by fools and faithlessness, I'm that
one. Perhaps that is the reason I can mediate for my friends."

"I was going to ask you to mediate for me, with Polly, but I haven't the
heart to ask you, now," ventured Tom.

"Why, you big ninny, I've done nothing else but try to mediate between
you two for the past two years. If matters haven't reached a crisis by
this time, I'd better give up the case and let you get a specialist,"
exclaimed Mr. Dalken.

"Tell me exactly where I stand now, and I'll excuse you from further
annoyance on my part."

"Great Scott, Man! Can't you tell where you stand? How can _I_ judge. You
surely don't want me to propose for you, do you?"

Tom couldn't afford to feel indignant, as he had to ask his friend what
had happened to Paul and Eleanor, during his temporary absence from the
others. So Mr. Dalken told as much of the story as he had been able to
understand, concluding with the admonition: "Now that Jack can't wile
away time with Nolla, he will, doubtless, turn his full attention to
Polly."

That was the only malicious remark the poor man permitted himself to
indulge in. But Tom took it seriously and said: "Thanks awfully, for the
hint. I'll keep after Polly myself, until Baxter gives up the chase." And
with that he hurried away to find Polly.

He found Paul and Eleanor sitting in the deep window-seat where Polly had
been the early part of the evening, and as he wandered about for a
glimpse of his "Heart's Desire," the Jap came over with a tray and said:

"Mis'r Tom look fer supper? Taki keep nice patty for him."

Jack Baxter was near enough to hear Taki, and he laughed jeeringly as he
said: "Oh, what a fine man you are, Taki! You know exactly what your
master's guests are wanting--patties or Pollies!"

Taki grinned but failed to grasp the young man's meaning. Tom did,
however, and le