very obviously some thousands of miles away. Craven watched
him speculatively. Atherton the big game-hunter, Atherton the
mine-owner, he knew perfectly--but Atherton the New York broker,
Atherton married, he was unacquainted with and he was trying to
adjust and consolidate the two personalities.

It was the same Atherton--but more human, more humble, if such a
word could be applied to an American millionaire. He felt a sudden
curiosity to see the woman who had brought that new look into his
old friend's keen blue eyes. He was conscious of an odd feeling of
envy. Atherton became aware at last of his attentive gaze and
grinned sheepishly.

"Must seem a bit of a fool to you, old man, but I feel like a boy
going home for the holidays and that's the truth. But I've been
yapping about my own affair all evening. What about you--staying
on in Japan? Been here quite a while now, haven't you?"

"Just over a year."

"Like it?"

"Yes, Japan has got into my bones."

"Lazy kind of life, isn't it?"

There was no apparent change in Atherton's drawl, but Craven
turned his head quickly and looked at him before answering.

"I'm a lazy kind of fellow," he replied quietly.