night as though it defied the splendour without. It shone upon Tommy's
face as he paused, showing it troubled and anxious.

"You may as well come in," he said. "She is sure to be ready. Come in
and have a drink!"

Monck stood still. His dark face was in shadow. He seemed to be debating
some point with himself.

Finally, "All right. Just for a minute," he said. "But, look here,
Tommy! Don't you let your sister suspect that you've been making a
confidant of me! I don't fancy it would please her. Put on a grin, man!
Don't look bowed down with family cares! She is probably quite capable
of looking after herself--like the rest of 'em."

He clapped a careless hand on the lad's shoulder as they turned up the
path together towards the streaming red light.

"You're a bit of a woman-hater, aren't you?" said Tommy.

And Monck laughed again his short, rather bitter laugh; but he said no
word in answer.




CHAPTER II

THE PRISONER AT THE BAR