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him nowhere, and that's a lot more than you can say for ninety-nine of a hundred

New Yorkers that are talked about at all.

"And Mallory's a man, too--the kind that every woman ought to have, only they

ain't enough of 'em to go 'round. Do you remember how he stood up there on the

deck of the Lotus and fought fair against my dirty tricks? He's a man and a

gentleman, Barbara--the sort you can be proud of, and that's the sort you got to

have. You see I know you.

"And he fought against those fellows of Yoka in the street of Oda Iseka's village

like a man should fight. There ain't any yellow in him, Barbara, and he didn't

leave me until there seemed no other way, even in the face of the things I told

them to make them go. Don't harbor that against him--I only wonder that he

didn't croak me; your dad wanted to, and Mallory wouldn't let him."

They never told me that," said Barbara.

The bell rang.

Here he is now," said Billy. "Good-bye--I'd rather not see him. Smith'll let me out

the servants' door. Guess that'll make him feel better. You'll do as I ask,

Barbara?"

He had paused at the door, turning toward her as he asked the final question.

The girl stood facing him. Her eyes were dim with unshed tears. Billy Byrne swam

before them in a hazy mist.

"You'll do as I ask, Barbara!" he repeated, but this time it was a command.

As Mallory entered the room Barbara heard the door of the servants' entrance

slam behind Billy Byrne.

148

The Mucker