eyes to
wander.

When an additional ten minutes had ticked themselves out, and then a
five and then a ten more, the old fellow became so nervous that he began
to make a tour of the club-house, even ascending the stairs, searching
the library and dining-room, scanning each group and solitary individual
he passed, until, thoroughly discouraged, he regained his seat only to
press a bell lying among some half-empty glasses. The summoned waiter
listened attentively, his head bent low to catch the whispered order,
and then disappeared noiselessly in the direction of the front door,
Peter's fingers meanwhile beating an impatient staccato on the arm of
his chair.

Nothing resulting from this experiment he at last gave up all hope
and again sought MacFarlane who was trying to pound into the head of a
brother engineer some new theory of spontaneous explosions.

Hardly had he drawn up a chair to listen--he was a better listener
to-night, somehow, than a talker, when a hand was laid on his shoulder,
and looking up, he saw Jack bending over him.

With a little cry of joy Peter sprang to his feet, both palms
outstretched: "Oh!--you're here at last! Didn't I say nine o'clock, my
dear boy, or am I wrong? Well, so you are here it's all right." Then
with face aglow he turned to MacFarlane: "Henry, here's a young fellow
you ought to know; his name's John Breen, and he's from your State."

The engineer stopped short in his talk and absorbed Jack from his neatly
brushed hair, worn long at the back of his neck, to his well-shod feet,
and held out his hand.

"From Maryland? So am I; I was raised down in Prince George County. Glad
to know you. Are you any connection of the Breens of Ann Arundle?"

"Yes, sir--all my people came from Ann Arundle. My father was Judge
Breen," answered Jack with embarrassment. He had not yet become
accustomed to the novelty of the scene around him.

"Now I know just where you belong. My father and yours were friends.
I have often heard him speak of Judge Breen. And did you not meet my
daughter at Miss Grayson's the other day? She told me she had met a Mr.
Breen from our part of the country."

Jack's eyes danced. Was this what Peter had invited him to the club for?
Now it was all clear. And then again he had not said a word about his
being in the Street, or connected with it in any way. Was there ever
such a good Peter?

"Oh, yes, sir!--and I hope she is very well."

The engineer said she was extremely