the air.

"Gi' me four bits, Mac," said Marcus, coming up. "Here's where we shell
out."

"I--I--I only got a quarter," mumbled the dentist, miserably. He felt
that he had ruined himself forever with Trina. What was the use of
trying to win her? Destiny was against him. "I only got a quarter," he
stammered. He was on the point of adding that he would not go in the
park. That seemed to be the only alternative.

"Oh, all right!" said Marcus, easily. "I'll pay for you, and you can
square with me when we go home."

They filed into the park, Mr. Sieppe counting them off as they entered.

"Ah," said Trina, with a long breath, as she and McTeague pushed through
the wicket, "here we are once more, Doctor." She had not appeared to
notice McTeague's embarrassment. The difficulty had been tided over
somehow. Once more McTeague felt himself saved.

"To der beach!" shouted Mr. Sieppe. They had checked their baskets at
the peanut stand. The whole party trooped down to the seashore. The
greyhound was turned loose. The children raced on ahead.

From one of the larger parcels Mrs. Sieppe had drawn forth a small tin
steamboat--August's birthday present--a gaudy little toy which could be
steamed up and navigated by means of an alcohol lamp. Her trial trip was
to be made this morning.