"Funny," said Bill shortly, "so does Rosy, and they hate each other like Pap hates beer. Pretty mix-up we'll have on our hands."
"That's all nonsense, Bill. Rosy can't help liking Isabel."
Bill scanned the copy on his hook, his eyes narrowing.
"Appears like she can," he muttered.
"Now, Bill, this won't do," argued Jap earnestly. "We can't afford to have dissension in such a vital matter. You must talk to Rosy."
"You can have the job," waived Bill, picking up a type. "Isabel said that Rosy was shallow and only skin-deep, and Rosy heard about it. Isabel Granger is not so much——"
He stopped abruptly as Jap's hand went up in pained alarm.
"Look here, Bill, are we going to let the chatter of women come between us? There is something deeper holding us together than the friendship of a day. Give me your hand, Bill, and tell me that it is Ellis's work and not these trifles that you care for. We have a work to do, you and I."
Bill threw the stick upon the case and grasped Jap's outstretched hand. Tears glistened in his eyes.
"Better than all the loves in the world, I love you, Jap," he stormed. Jerking his hat from the nail, he strode out to walk off the emotionalism he decried.