"A what?" When Gray had explained the meaning of the word,
Mr. Briskow's face cleared. "That's what I figgered on, but I didn't
know what you called 'em. That's why I'm sorry you're so well off. Y'
see I'd of paid you anything--I'd of doubled whatever you're
gettin'--" The speaker raised a hopeful gaze; he paused as if to make
sure that his hearer was beyond temptation. "I thought mebbe him and
you'd like to travel some--go to furrin places--see the hull world. I
kin afford it."

"Thank you for the compliment, but--"

"I got some big deals on, an' Buddy's got to learn enough so's to
hang onto what's comin' to him an' Allie. He needs a man like you
to learn him, an' be an example. It would be a payin' job, Mister
Gray."

It was in a voice graver than usual that the younger man spoke:
"Briskow, you're sensible enough to understand plain talk. I'm not
a fit man to teach Buddy what he ought to know. In fact, I'm about
the worst person you could select."

"How so?"

"Because I'm a good deal of a--rotter. I couldn't permit Buddy to
make a mess of his life, such as I've made of mine."

The father sighed. "I s'pose you know, but--Well, I'm
disapp'inted. But it wasn't hully on that account I come to Dallas. Ma
told me over the telephone how nice you been an' what you done for her
'n' Allie, so I says to myself I'll square things by givin' him a