“If my advice is worth anything—yes. Good night.”
Next day, when Captain Obed made his customary call at the ex-barber-shop, he ventured to ask the question uppermost in his mind.
“Have you decided yet, John?” he asked.
His friend looked at him.
“Meaning—what?” he queried.
“Meanin'—you know what I mean well enough. Have you decided to take your cousin's offer?”
“I've done more than that, Captain. I have accepted the offer and the retaining fee, too.”
Captain Obed sprang forward and held out his hand.
“Bully for you, John!” he shouted. “That's the best thing you ever done in your life. NOW you've really started.”
Kendrick smiled. “Yes,” he admitted, “I have started. Where I may finish is another matter.”