"You two big sulky babies!" she exclaimed. "Slim, what did Phil do for
you down in Tecomo? Phil, did Slim stand by you last April--you know the
time? Why, boys, you're just being plain foolish. Get up, both of you,
and take a walk outside where you'll get cooled down."

Slim rose. He and Phil walked slowly toward the door, at a little
distance from each other, one eyeing the other shrewdly. At the door they
hesitated. Finally, Phil lurched forward and went out first. Slim glided
after.

"By heaven!" groaned Pollard as the door closed. "There goes two good
men! Kate, what put this last fool idea into your head?"

She did not answer for a moment, but dropped into a chair as though
suddenly exhausted.

"It'll work out," she said at length. "You wait for it!"

"Well," grumbled her father, "the mischief is working. Run along to bed,
will you?"

She rose, wearily, and started across the room. But she turned before she
passed out of their sight and leaned against one of the pillars.

"Dad, why you so anxious to get me out of the way?"

"What d'you mean by that? I got no reason. Run along and don't bother
me!"

He turned his shoulder on her. As for the girl, she remained a moment,