Locke only laughed. "There's more where this came from. However,
that's one reason I'd like to stick around with you fellows. I
have an idea I've been followed, and I don't care to be tapped on
the head. If you will let me trail along I'll foot the bills.
That's a fair proposition."

"It certainly sounds engaging," cried Higgins, joyously. "The
sight of that money awakens a feeling of loyalty in our breasts. I
speak for all when I say we will guard you like a lily as long as
your money lasts, Mr. Locke."

"As long as we last," Ringold amended.

"It's a bargain," Locke agreed. "Hereafter I foot the bills.
You're my guests for the evening, understand. If you'll agree to
keep me company until my ship sails I'll do the entertaining."

"Oh, come now," Anthony struck in. "The fellows are just fooling.
You're more than welcome to stay with us if you like, but we can't
let you put up for it."

"Why not? We'll make a night of it. I'll show you how we spend
money in St. Louis. I'm too nervous to go to bed."

Anthony protested, insisting that the other should regard himself
as the guest of the crowd; but as Locke proved obdurate the
question was allowed to drop until later, when Kirk found himself
promoted by tacit consent to the position of host for the whole
company. This was a little more than he had bargained for, but the
sense of having triumphed in a contest of good-fellowship consoled