old voice.

"Nicholas Danver," Antony heard himself saying, though he hardly realized
he was speaking the words.

"Exactly," smiled Nicholas, "not dead, but very much alive, though not--"
he glanced down at his helpless legs,--"precisely what you might term
kicking."

Antony drew a deep breath. What in the name of wonder did this astounding
drama portend?

"Sit down," said Nicholas shortly, pointing to a chair. "I have a good
deal to say to you. You would be tired of standing before I have done."

Antony sat down. The Arabian Nights entertainment sensation he had
formerly experienced in the offices of Messrs. Parsons and Glieve, rushed
upon him with an even fuller force; yet here the lighter and almost
humorous note was lacking. Something tinged with resentment had taken its
place. He felt himself to have been trapped, befooled, though he had not
yet fully grasped the manner of the befooling.

"I was a friend of your father," said Nicholas abruptly.

The story would not be told exactly as he had told it to Trix, though the
difference in the telling would be largely unconscious. It would deal
more with the surface of things, and less with the inner trend of
thought, the telling of which had been drawn from him by her unspoken
sympathy.

"I know," said Antony quietly, in answer to the remark.

"Also I met you once," said Nicholas, a little reminiscent smile dawning
in his eyes. It had an oddly softening effect upon his rather carven
face. For the moment he looked almost youthful.

"I remember," replied Antony gravely.

"Do you?" said Nicholas, the smile finding its way to his lips. "What a
determined youngster you were! 'I've got to. I've begun!'" Nicholas threw
back his head with a laugh. "It appealed to me, did that sentiment. I saw
the bulldog grip in it. But there was no viciousness in the statement.
Jove! you weren't even angry. You were as cool as a cucumber in your
mind, though your cheeks were crimson with the effort. You succeeded,
too. I had forgotten the whole business till last March. Then it came
back to me. I've got to tell you the story to explain matters. It is only
fair that you should know the ins and outs of this business. I have no
doubt it seems pretty queer to you?" Nicholas paused.

"I confess I am somewhat at a loss regarding it," returned Antony dryly.

"Not over-pleased," muttered Nicholas inwardly. Aloud he said, "I've no
doubt you will think it all a sort of fool show, and I am b