the Cave Age, and I've proved myself an A-1 cave-man, if I do say it
myself. It may be hard for her to get the right perspective of things,
even after she's back in her own environment. Understand?"

"I take it, you mean she has seen the display of your strongest and
best qualities, in circumstances that did not call for such non-
essentials as mere polish--drawing room culture."

"You mean, for all that counts most with ninety-nine per cent of your
class and hers," rejoined Blake. "And there's the craving, too. I'll
have to fight that out before I'll be fit to let her do anything.
Think I don't know the difference between us? No! I'm going to go the
limit, Jimmy. I can't do less, and be square to her. So I give you
full leave. You're free to play your hand for all there is in it. I'll
stay here--"

"No--no! I'll not hear of it, Tom!"

"Yes, you will. I'll stay here, and you'll see her clear through to
America--to Chicago--right to her papa's house and in through the
door. Understand? I don't make a single condition. You're to try your
best to win; and if you do, why--don't you see?--it'll show that this
which she thinks is the real thing is all a mistake."

"My word, old man! you'd not give her up without a fight? That
wouldn't be like you!"

"It all depends. I won't if it's true she loves me--God! no! I'd go
through hell-fire for her!"