just as they were turning in at the newest big cafe to dine that
night.

"I'm sorry to tell you, Mr. Courtney, that my warning of this noon
was not unfounded," he remarked. "Perhaps, however, you already know
it."

"No, I don't," returned Courtney, eying the correctly dressed
Gresham with some dissatisfaction. "I'm not even sure of what you
mean."

"About a certain man with whom you are doing business."

"Oh--Gamble?"

"What's the matter with Gamble?" bristled the colonel.

"Why, Gresham hinted to me this morning that Gamble had financial
obligations he could not meet," explained Courtney. "It seems that
he met them, however."

"Of course he did!" snorted the colonel.

"I hadn't intended to make the matter public property," stated
Gresham with an uncomfortable feeling that he was combating an
unassailable and unaccountable prejudice.

"Bless my soul, you're succeeding mighty well!" blurted the colonel.
"Now, tell us all you know about my friend Gamble. Out with it!"