with the lighting of a cigarette.

"Take Mr. Gault's check and go," commanded Marden, thrusting the
slip of paper at Link. "I think there is nothing more to say. I
have an appointment at--"

He hesitated. Regardless of the others' presence, Ferris dropped
to one knee beside the uncomprehending dog. With his arm about
Chum's neck, he bent close to the collie's ear and whispered:

"Good-by, Chummie! It's good-by, fer keeps, too. Don't you get to
thinkin' I've gone an' deserted you, nor got tired of you, nor
nothnn', Chum. Because I'd a dam' sight ruther leave one of my
two legs here than to leave you. I--I guess only Gawd rightly
knows all you done fer me, Chum. But I ain't a-goin' to ferget
none of it. Lord, but it's goin' to be pretty turrible, to home,
without you!" He got to his feet, winking back a mist from his
red eyes, and turning blindly toward the door.

"Here!" boomed Marden after him. "You've forgotten your check."

"I don't aim to take no measly money fer givin' up the only
friend I got!" snarled Link over his shoulder. "Keep it--fer a
tip!"

It was a good exit line. But it was spoiled. Because, as Ferris
reached the door and groped for its knob, Chum was beside
him--glad to get out of this uncongenial assembly and to be alone
with the master who seemed so unhappy and so direly in need of
consolation. Link stiffened to his full height. With one hand