As for Eddie, he tried to put the thought out of his mind, but as time
went on he caught himself many times--(with a start of shame)--trying
to approximate the worth of Martha Gamble on the basis set forth by
her step-father. The second day after the interview he consulted a
friend of his who happened to be a jeweller. From him he ascertained
the present market value of twenty-four carat gold. So much for the
start!

His creditors were threatening to sue or to "black-list" him; his
friends long since had begun to dodge him, fearing the habitual
request for temporary loans; his allowance was not due for several
weeks. Circumstances were so harsh that even Martha appeared desirable
by contrast. He felt an instinctive longing for rest, and peace, and--
pecuniary absolution.

He was therefore deserving of pity when he finally surrendered to the
inevitable. How he cursed himself--(and his creditors)--as he set out
to find the General on that bright spring day when every other living
creature on earth seemed to be happy and free from care. Kismet!

General Gamble was reading in a quiet corner of the Club. That is to
say, he had the appearance of one reading. As a matter of fact, he had
been watching Eddie's shy, uncertain evolutions for half an hour or
more, and he chuckled inwardly. As many as ten times the victim
strolled through the reading room, on the pretext of looking for some
one. Something told the General that he was going to lose Martha.

At last Eddie approached him. He came with the swift impetuosity of a
man who has decided and is afraid to risk a reaction.