the man who wins it--for the man who wins
that, wins her.''

There was no answer. Arkwright sat with his
eyes on the moving throng outside the window
near them. Perhaps he had not heard. At all
events, when he spoke some time later, it was of a
matter far removed from Miss Billy Neilson, or
the way to her heart. Nor was the young lady
mentioned between them again that day.

Long hours later, just before parting for the
night, Arkwright said:

``Calderwell, I'm sorry, but I believe, after all,
I can't take that trip to the lakes with you. I--
I'm going home next week.''

``Home! Hang it, Arkwright! I'd counted on
you. Isn't this rather sudden?''

``Yes, and no. I'll own I've been drifting about
with you contentedly enough for the last six
months to make you think mountain-climbing and
boat-paddling were the end and aim of my existence.
But they aren't, you know, really.''

``Nonsense! At heart you're as much of a
vagabond as I am; and you know it.''