k it. If telling the truth, and telling it plainly
is being ugly, then I plead guilty. I question if what I have said
will be of any benefit to you, but it has done a great deal of good to
me. It has somewhat relieved my mind, and that is worth something."

"You will relieve my mind, if you will go," Dr. Rannage retorted. "It
is absolutely ridiculous that I should be talked to in this manner,
especially after what I have done for you."

"Oh, you mean this?" and Douglas glanced at the cheque. "Well, then, I
wish to show you and the members of the vestry how I value such, ahem,
appreciation. Look!"

Holding the cheque up with both hands, he deliberately tore it into
bits, and then, crossing the room, he threw the pieces into the
fireplace.

"There, I feel better now," he quietly remarked. "So, good-night."

Before Dr. Rannage could recover from his astonishment, the study door
opened and closed, and Douglas Stanton was gone.

CHAPTER IV

SECRET PLANS

"Hello! what's the rush?"

Douglas Stanton stopped short, and a smile overspread his face as he
turned it upon the beaming countenance of the man standing before him.

"Oh, it's you, Garton, is it? I didn't see you."

"You certainly didn't. Why, you were cutting a two-forty clip."

"I'm late for tea," Douglas explained.

"So am I," Garton returned. "Just before I left the office, I was
called down to the drill-shed to make a presentation to one of our men
who is about to get married. Kit will be furious with me for staying
so long. Women don't like to be kept waiting, you know. Kit doesn't,
anyway. She says the kids will make it hot for me when I get home."

"You're a lucky brute, Garton, to have a home to go to, and a wife and
such kids as yours."

"I certainly am. But, say, Stanton, come and have dinner with us."

"How can I? Your wife won't be expecting me, and I shall be intruding."

"Look here, old man," and Garton laid his hand affectionately upon his
companion's shoulder, "don't you know that you are always welcome at
our house? Kit will be delighted to see you, and the kids will go
about crazy. They will be more than surprised, for we were afraid that
we had seen the last of you."

"Well, I'll go, then," Douglas assented, and the two started off at a
rapid pace.

"So you have decided to leave?" Garton asked, after they had gone a
short distance.

"You've heard the news, then?" Douglas queried.

"Sure; though I doubte