sick. Good day, Mr. Pearson."

He departed, driving his new victim before him and tongue-lashing him
all the way. The captain drew a long breath.

"Say, Mr. Pearson," he declared, "a minute or so ago you said this was
a lucky day for you. I cal'late it's a luckier one for me. If it hadn't
been for you I'd been took up. Yes, sir, took up and carted off to the
lockup. Whew! that would have looked well in the papers, wouldn't it?
And my niece and nephew... Jerushy! I'm mightily obliged to you. How did
you handle that policeman so easily?"

Pearson laughed. "Oh," he replied, "a newspaper training and
acquaintance has its advantages. Slattery knows me, and I know him."

"Well, I thank you, I do so."

"You needn't. I wouldn't have missed meeting you and seeing you handle
those fellows for a good deal. And besides, you're not going to escape
so easy. You must lunch with me."

The captain started, hastily pulled out his watch, and looked at it.

"Quarter to one!" he cried. "And I said I'd be back at that lawyer's
office at half-past twelve. No, no, Mr. Pearson, I can't go to lunch
with you, but I do wish you'd come and see me some time. My address
for--for a spell, anyhow--is Central Park West," giving the number, "and
the name is Warren, same as mine. Will you come some evenin'? I'd be
tickled to death to see you."