slippery places but we shall not
stumble, at least not while the Governor keeps his head!"

Nothing appealed to Archie as of greater importance than the retention
by his companion of the head that now lay chastely upon a snowy pillow.
A handsome, well-formed head, a head suggestive of family and the pride
of race, though filled with the most complicated mental machinery with
which a human being had ever been endowed.

"Put out the lights and get you to your couch!" the Governor muttered
drowsily.

The man certainly wore his crimes lightly. He was sound asleep before
Archie had got into his pajamas.

VI

When they reached the dining-room at ten the next morning they found
Seebrook and Walters just finishing breakfast. Miss Seebrook was having
coffee in her room, her father explained in response to Archie's polite
inquiries.

"We're hoping to get away this afternoon," he continued. "It will take
only a few minutes to transact our business when the man I'm waiting for
appears; but he's an uncertain quantity, and there's no telling when
he'll show up. But we're having a good time and I shan't mind another
day or two. If only you gentlemen would bear us company!"

"Ah, you are very kind!" said the Governor; "but we must resume our
ramble toward the Pacific. We are more or less dated up for little
entertainments on the way."

"I certainly envy you," said Walters ruefully. "Seebrook and I belong to
the large class of men who work for a living."

"Well, Comly and I have our own small jobs," the Governor protested.
"We're interested in some water power schemes through the West and hope
to make our expenses."

Seebrook and Walters lingered in the office as Archie and the Governor
paid their account. As they waited for their car to be sent round from
the garage a machine drew up and discharged a short, wiry, elderly man
in a motor coat that was much too large for him. He was accompanied by
an enormous amount of luggage and from the steps of the inn gave orders
in a high piping voice as to the manner of its disposal. As the various
pieces were hustled into the office he enumerated them in an audible
tone as though inviting the cooperation of all the loungers in making an
inventory of his effects. When this had been concluded Seebrook stepped
up and accosted the newcomer.

"Mr. Congdon, I am very glad to see you. I hope you are not worn out by
your drive."

"Worn out!" snapped the little man. "Do you imagine a run