Kirk, having reached the top of the stairs, had to check the wild rush
he was making for the bathroom in order not to collide with Steve, whom
he found waiting for him with outstretched hand and sympathetic
excitement writ large upon his face.

"Excuse _me_, squire," said Steve, "I've been playing the part of
Rubberneck Rupert in that little drama you've just been starring in. I
just couldn't help listening. Say, this mitt's for you. Shake it! So
you're going to marry Bailey's sister, Ruth, are you? You're the lucky
guy. She's a queen!"

"Do _you_ know her, Steve?"

"Do I know her! Didn't I tell you I was the tame physical instructor in
that palace? I wish I had a dollar for every time I've thrown the
medicine-ball at her. Why, I'm the guy that gave her that figure of
hers. She don't come to me regular, like Bailey and the old man, but do
I know her? I should say I did know her."

Kirk shook his hand.

"You're all right, Steve!" he said huskily, and vanished into the
bathroom. A sound as of a tropical deluge came from within.

Steve hammered upon the door. The downpour ceased.

"Say!" called Steve.

"Hello?"