“He’s just gone into the post office.”

“Why shouldn’t he? He wants stamps, may be; plenty of ’em, I should imagine.”

“Oh, you’re a fish, Siddle. You aren’t crazy about a girl, like I am. The sooner Grant’s in jail the better I’ll be pleased.”

“If you take my advice, which you won’t, I know, you will not utter that sort of remark publicly.”

“Can’t help it. Bet you a fiver I’m engaged to Doris Martin within a week.”

Mr. Siddle took thought.

“Why so quickly?” he asked, after a pause.

“I’ll catch her on the hop, of course. If she’s engaged to me it’ll help her a lot when this case comes into court.”

“I cannot believe that Doris would accept any man for such a reason.”

“I’m not ‘any man.’ She knows I’m after her. Will you take my bet, even money?”