pink face, as unwrinkled as his immaculate attire, was beaming
with good humor.

"Well, boys, I'm the pay-car," he smiled.

"Hammon came through, eh?" Sullivan inquired, eagerly.

"Not exactly; we compromised. Quick sales and small profits;
that's business."

"How strong did he go?" queried Armistead.

"Now, what's the difference, so long as you get yours? Photography
is a paying business." Melcher laughed agreeably.

"Sure! I'll bet Sarony is rich." Young Sullivan carelessly
accepted the roll of currency which Melcher tossed him, and the
others did likewise.

"I suppose that's curtain for us," Jim said, regretfully.

"It is. The rest is Lilas's affair."

"Say, will the old man fall AGAIN?" queried Armistead.

"He's going to marry her!" The three others stared at him in
amazement. "Right!" confirmed Melcher. "She's got a strangle hold
on him."

"Hm-m! Maybe we haven't lost the last car yet," Sullivan ventured.