Upon the stranger the sarcasm was lost, or he chose to ignore
it, for he answered simply, "No, I'm a New Orleans boy. I've
just been taken on the Republic."

"Welcome to our city," said Irving. "What do you think of our
Main Street?"

From the hall a tall portly man entered the room with the
assurance of one much at home here and, with an exclamation,
Irving fell upon him.

"Good morning, Judge," he called. He waved at him the clipping
from the Despatch. "Have you seen this?"

Judge Gaylor accepted the slip of paper gingerly, and in turn
moved his fine head pompously toward each of the young men. Most
of them were known to him, but for the moment he preferred to
appear too deeply concerned to greet them. With an expression of
shocked indignation, he recognized only Walsh.

"Yes, I have seen it," he said, "and there is not a word of
truth in it! Mr. Walsh, I am surprised! You, of all people!"

"We got it on very good authority," said the reporter.

"But why not call me up and get the facts?" demanded the Judge.
"I was here until twelve o'clock, and -- "

"Here!" interrupted Irving. "Then he did have a collapse?"