“The breakfast habit is purely American. You'll acquire it by and by,” I assured her. “Wait until you get a settled liking for long days and short nights.”
She left me, and I thought that I would take a little walk under the trees before going in. I had not gone a dozen paces when Muggs came along. He was looking pale and thin and rather untidy.
“I knew that you were an early riser,” said he. “I came to find you if I could.”
He must have seen a look of anger in my face, for he went on:
“Don't be hard on me. I've come to bring you that two hundred dollars, with fifty added for the hat and coat.”
He gave me a check, and it nearly knocked me down with astonishment. “What cunning ruse is this?” I asked myself, and said: “You're not looking well.”
“I can't eat or sleep,” he continued. “I've been walking the streets since midnight. There's something I wanted to say, but I'm not up to it now. I'll try to see you again within a day or two.”
He bade me good morning and went on, and I was puzzled by the serious look in his face.