returning; "leastwise nobody that couldn't take care of himself. Only
a chap buzzin' almighty swift over the trees. Swooped down like a hawk
when he saw us an' waved his hand, laughin' fit to kill himself, an'
dropped Johnny a fiver an' gee! Miss Diane, but he could drive some!
Swift and cool-headed as a bird. He's whizzin' off like mad toward the
Sherrill place, with his motor a-hummin' an' a-purrin' like a cat.
Leanish, sunburnt chap with eyes that 'pear to be laughin' a lot."

Diane's eyes flashed resentfully and as she walked away to the house
her expression was distinctly thoughtful.




CHAPTER II

AN INDOOR TEMPEST

"If you're broke," said Starrett, leering, "why don't you marry your
cousin?"

Carl Granberry stared insolently across the table.

"Pass the buck," he reminded coolly. "And pour yourself some more
whiskey. You're only a gentleman when you're drunk, Starrett. You're
sober now."

Payson and Wherry laughed. Starrett, not yet in the wine-flush of his
heavy courtesy, passed the buck with a frown of annoyance.