use--here am I. And I lived in the Southwest four years, too--West
Texas and New Mexico. Best time I ever had! So I wouldn't be absolutely
helpless out there. And I'm my own man--foot-loose. So, if you can use
me--for this thing seems to be serious--"

"Serious!" said Mary. "Serious! I can't tell you now. I shouldn't have
told you even this much. Go now, Mr. Boland. And if we--if I see where I
can use you--that was your word--I'll use you. But you are to keep away
from me unless I send for you. Suppose Stan heard now what some gossip or
other might very well write to him--that 'Mary Selden walked home every
night with a fascinating Francis Charles Boland'?"

"Tell him about me, yourself--touching lightly on my fascinations,"
advised Boland. "And tell him why you tell him. Plain speaking is always
the best way."

"It is," said Mary. "I'll do that very thing this night. I think I like
you, Mr. Boland. Thank you--and good-bye!"

"Good-bye!" said Boland, touching her hand.

He looked after her as she went.

"Plucky little devil!" he said. "Level and straight and square. Some
girl!"




CHAPTER X