the ranks. His figure was notable for its solidity and for the
power of the shoulders; but already there were indications that
the solidity, come of hard manual labor in early life, was soon
to soften into fat under the melting influence of prosperity and
the dissipation it put within too easy reach. The striking
features of his face were a pair of keen, hard, greenish eyes and
a jaw that protruded uglily--the jaw of aggressiveness, not the
too prominent jaw of weakness. At sight of Jane he halted
awkwardly.

``How're you, Mr. Hastings?'' said he.

``Hello, Dick,'' said the old man. ``This is my daughter Jane.''

Jane smiled a pleasant recognition of the introduction. Kelly
said stiffly, ``How're you, ma'am?''

``Want to see me alone, I suppose?'' Hastings went on. ``You go
out on the porch, Jenny.''

As soon as Jane disappeared Kelly's stiffness and clumsiness
vanished. To head off Hastings' coming offer of a cigar, he drew
one from his pocket and lighted it. ``There's hell to pay, Mr.
Hastings,'' he began, seating himself near the old man, tilting
back in his chair and crossing his legs.

``Well, I reckon you can take care of it,'' said Hastings calmly.

``Oh, yes, we kin take care of it, all right. Only, I don't want
to do nothing without consulting you.''