impulses ran the entire
gamut of hilarity: he played the drum; he wrestled with a burly
doorman; he yelled, whenever he found what he called a good "yelling
place"; he demonstrated his ability to sing "Silver Threads Among the
Gold" to the accompaniment of a four-piece orchestra energetically
engaged in playing something quite modern and altogether different.
These, and many other accomplishments equally unsuspected, he
displayed. On the way from one lively resort to a livelier he conceived
the unique idea that he could "swap ends" with his touring car in much
the same manner that he could turn a nimble cow pony, and he tried it.
Happily, the asphalt was wet, and in consequence the maneuver was not a
total failure, although it did result in a crumpled mud guard and a
runaway. Milk-wagon horses in Dallas, it appeared, were not schooled to
the sight of spinning motor cars, and the phenomenon filled at least
one with abysmal horror.

Gray felt sure that he had visibly aged as a result of that ride, and
he began to understand why a new crop of wrinkles was appearing about
the corners of Margie Fulton's eyes. No wonder she was beginning to
look a trifle weary.

Fearing that Buddy was likely to turn sentimental without warning, the
elder man monopolized as much of "Miss Montague's" time and attention
as possible; he danced with her frequently, and he assiduously devoted
himself to winning her favor. The result was a tribute to his acting
and to his magnetism. In a moment of abandon she confided to him that
she wished he had Buddy's money or--that he was a marrying man. Both of
Buddy's flasks had been emptied by this time, however, so Gray was not
unduly beguiled by this flattery.

On the whole, it was a horrible night.

As Gray languidly crept into bed about daylight he had the satisfaction
of knowing that he had at least excited his young friend's open
jealousy. That might act as a stay. On the other hand, of course, it
might have directly the opposite effect--one could never tell--and it
might be the part of wisdom, therefore, to gain possession of that
diamond ring.

Buddy sought him out in the lobby, early the next afternoon, and after
a colorless greeting, said, queerly, "Would you mind comin' up to my
room for a minute?"

"Certainly not. I'd have looked in on you before this if I'd thought
you were up." As the two mounted the wide marble stairs Gray went on,
cheerfully: "Not looking your best this morn--afterno