so before.

"Oh, I don't like to trust a strange doctor. I think my physician can
fix him up. He is in need of rest, more than anything else. The
strenuous life of the city, after his quiet days on the ranch has been
too much for him."

"He looked strong and hearty," replied the clerk. "He told me he used
to rope wild steers. I should think he could stand it here. He hasn't
been going around much."

"Still I think I shall take him away," went on Mr. Wakely. "Please
call me a cab. I believe I'll take his baggage with me. I'll settle
for his bill."

"There's nothing to settle. Mr. Bradner paid me this morning for his
board up to the end of the week."

Mr. Wakely looked relieved at this, but said nothing.

The clerk, not exactly liking what was going on, but being unable to
interpose any objections, rung for a cab. Then, under orders from Mr.
Wakely, Roy's baggage was brought down and put into the vehicle.

A little later Roy's new acquaintance came down in the elevator,
supporting the lad with an arm around his shoulders. Roy could hardly
walk, for his legs were trembling, and there was a curious white, dazed
look on his face.

"What's the matter, old chap?" asked the hotel clerk, with ready
sympathy. "Can I do anything for you?"

It seemed as if Roy tried to speak, but only a murmur came from his
lips.

"He'll be all right in a little while," said Mr. Wakely quickly. "He's
a little faint; that's all. I'll look after him."

Somehow the clerk thought Mr. Wakely acted as if he did not want any
one to come too near Roy, or lend any aid. A little later, leading the
boy, who seemed to become weaker, Mr. Wakely got into the cab with him,
and drove on.

"Poor fellow," said the clerk sympathetically. "I hope he gets better.
He certainly is a nice chap, and I wonder what could have made him ill
so suddenly? I don't like that Wakely fellow."

That evening it occurred to Mortimer De Royster that he had not seen
his friend Roy for some time. Not, in fact, since he had parted with
him at the hotel.

"That's beastly impolite on my part, don't you know," said De Royster
to himself. "I must run around and see him. I've been so busy
straightening out my accounts since I came back from my western trip,
that I have neglected all my friends. However, I'll make up for it.
I'll take him to some theatre and give him a good time."

Thus musing, Mortimer De Royster adjusted his one eye glass, selected a