and at least
had _something_ to say! The situation was hideous, but how escape? If
only he could get to Hickey and buy him off! But he couldn't get to his
tormentor, that was the trouble! Then suddenly an idea came to him. In
his pocket was the roll of bills that comprised the sinking fund for his
dress suit. Carefully and unnoticed by Dolly, he extracted a two dollar
bill. When next he danced, he danced with the bill openly flaunted
behind the all-unconscious Dolly, openly offering it to whoever would
come to his rescue. Still the banded traitors smirked and remained loyal
to their leader--they, too, had scores to settle!

"Get me a glass of lemonade, won't you, Jack, like a dear?" said Dolly,
who had thought of a possible opening.

Skippy went and took a full five minutes until he had made quite sure
the next dance was under way. To his horror Dolly was where he had left
her--sitting alone.

When the tenth dance had begun, he hesitated no longer. He replaced the
two dollar bill by one of the next denomination, and with the V
carefully exposed, he managed to bump into Hickey and draw his attention
to the price of his liberty. Hickey appeared interested but only half
convinced. Skippy held out another dance and then, groaning inwardly,
increased the bait to ten.

Whereupon Hickey condescended. The signal was given and Skippy, standing
aloof and humble in the shadows of the veranda, perceived through the
window Miss Dolly Travers, as the stags swarmed down, resume her sway as
the queen of the ball.

On Monday Hickey departed in a burst of glory. With him something else
departed--a great romance. Illusions are fragile things and when they
are shattered the pieces are too small to be reassembled. _Sic transit_
Dolly Travers!

CHAPTER XXIX

DEAD GAME SPORTS

AT the end of August, Mr. Skippy Bedelle met Mr. Snorky Green on the
Fall River Boat, each being in complete agreement as to the economic
superiority of the water route to the great metropolis, when the end in
view was the acquisition of that radiant apotheosis of perfect manhood,
the first dress suit.

"Gee Whilikins, Skippy, you're enormous," said Snorky, measuring him
with his eye. "How did you do it? I've only gained half an inch."

"I'm twelve pounds heavier," said Skippy proudly. "Feel that."

"Hard as nails!" said Snorky, pinching the proffered biceps. "You do
look different, too."

Skippy, thinking on Dolly Travers, blushed.

"Got to sh