e." This last remark was directed to Peter in the same casual
way.

"I should say that every stopper was certainly out," answered Peter
in graver tones. He detested slang and would never understand it. Then
again the bearing and air of Jack's friend jarred on him. "You know, of
course, the old couplet--'When the wine flows the--'"

"No, I don't know it," interrupted Minott with an impatient glance. "I'm
not much on poetry--but you can bet your bottom dollar it's flowing all
right." Then seeing the shade of disappointment on Breen's face at the
flippant way in which he had returned Peter's courtesies, but without
understanding the cause, he added, tightening his arm around his
friend's neck, "Brace up, Jack, old man, and let yourself go. That's
what I'm always telling Jack, Mr. Grayson. He's got to cut loose from
a lot of old-fashioned notions that he brought from home if he wants to
get anywhere around here. I had to."

"What do you want him to give up, Mr. Minott?" Peter had put on his
glasses now, and was inspecting Garry at closer range.

"Oh, I don't know--just get into the swing of things and let her go."

"That is no trouble for you to do," rejoined Jack, looking into his
friend's face. "You're doing something that's worth while."

"Well, aren't you doing something that's worth while? Why you'll be
a millionaire if you keep on. First thing you know the lightning will
strike you just as it did your uncle."

Morris leaned forward at the moment and called Minott by name. Instantly
the young man's manner changed to one of respectful attention as he
stepped to his Chief's side.

"Yes, Mr. Morris."

"You tell the men up your way to get ready to come to order, or we won't
get through in time--it's getting late."

"All right, sir, I'll take care of 'em. Just as soon as you begin to
speak you won't hear a sound."

As Minott moved from Morris's seat another and louder shout arose from
the other end of the table:

"Garry, Garry, hurry up!" came the cry. It was evident the young man was
very popular.

Peter dropped his glasses from his nose, and turning toward Morris said
in a low voice:

"That's a very breezy young man, Holker, the one who has just left us.
Got something in him, has he, besides noise?"

"Yes, considerable. Wants toning down once in a while, but there's no
question of his ability or of his loyalty. He never shirks a duty and
never forgets a kindness. Queer combination when you think of it,