implore us to give up that which belongs to us by virtue of that old
law of salvage. I have already wished you a Merry Christmas, Mr.
Force. Now permit me to bid you good morning."

He strode to the study door and opened it. His chin was high and his
eyes were uncommonly bright. The hem of the dressing gown was farther
from the floor than it had ever been during his ownership.

"I'll think it over, Bingle," muttered Mr. Force, very red in the face
as he stalked past the little man and started down the stairs. "Good
morning!"

"Good morning!"




CHAPTER X

MR. BINGLE THINKS OF BECOMING AN ANGEL


Flanders was a constant visitor at Seawood. In the fortnight
immediately following the all-important Christmas Eve, he appeared at
the Bingle home on no less than ten separate occasions.

"I see that Mr. and Mrs. Force are sailing for Europe to-morrow," said
he on his most recent visit.

"You don't say so!" exclaimed Mr. Bingle. "It's news to me."