"It's too late," parried Evan.
Bill regarded him with a look of pity.
"Don't ever make a break like that to a girl in this town," he said, smiling, "or she'll take you for a greeny. People don't go to dances at eight o'clock, you know—not in Mt. Alban."
Nelson felt embarrassed. Watson was talking on:
"It helps business, you know. Customers like to know the fellows who are looking after their money. They like to think you take an interest in them."
Evan closed his book quickly.
"I'm not afraid to go to the hanged party," he said suddenly.
"That's talking, Nelsy. Get busy, then. You've got nothing to shave, so it shouldn't take you long to get ready."
Before long the new savings man presented himself dressed for the dance. Bill regarded him with concealed amusement.
"Say, Evan," he said softly, "could you lend us a dollar? I think there's something in my account, but I forgot to draw it this afternoon."