afternoon----"

"One moment, sir," said the man from the States. "Let me remind you of
a little rule which will be useful to you when you butt into the big,
cold world. That is, never let sentiment interfere with business. See?
Either Ring's Stores or your friend has got to be on top, and, if I
know anything, it's going to be We. We! And I'm afraid that's all I
can do for you, unless you've that hungry feeling, and want to sample
our public-school tea at twenty-five cents."

"No, thanks," said Dunstable. "Here come some chaps, though, who look
as if they might."

He stepped aside as half a dozen School House juniors raced up.

"For one day only," said the manager to Dunstable, "you may partake
free, if you care to. You have man's most priceless possession, Cool
Cheek. And Cool Cheek, when recognised, should not go unrewarded. Step
in."

"No thanks," said Dunstable. "You'll find me at Cook's if you want
me."

"Kindness," said he to himself, as Mrs. Cook served him in the
depressed way which had now become habitual with her, "kindness having
failed, we must try severity."


PART 2