I understand about the blindfolding, though, and of course that
was half the battle."

"It was, ma'am, and the other half was--boots!"

"Boots!"

"Yes, ma'am. Do you know that you seldom see two pairs of boots
or shoes alike on men?"

"I thought they were all alike," exclaimed Eunice. "I mean all
street shoes alike, and all pumps alike, and so forth."

"No, not that," and Embury laughed; "but, I say, Hanlon, there
are thousands of duplicates!"

"Not so you'd notice it I But let me explain. First, however,
here are four men present. Let's compare our shoes."

Eight feet were extended, and it was surprising to note the
difference in the footgear. Naturally, Hanlon's were of a
cheaper grade than the others, but whereas it might have been
expected that the three society men would wear almost identical
boots, they were decidedly varied. Each pair was correct in
style, and the work of the best bootmakers, but the difference in
the design of tip, side cut, sole and fastening was quite
sufficient to prevent mistaking one for another.

"You see," said Hanlon. "Well, take a whole lot of your men
friends, even if they all go to the same bootmaker, and you'll