“For a friend,” says he.

“But John Cather,” says I, “’twas too much to require of you.”

His eyes twinkled.

“You’ve no trouble now, have you?” I asked.

“Not I!” cries he. “I have read a new fortune for myself. Trouble? Not I! I am very happy, Dannie.”

“That’s good,” says I; “that’s very good!”


276

XXIII

THE TIDE-RIP