The boy, still somewhat doubtful, jerked his hand back across his
shoulder toward an inner apartment.
"Well, his nibs is in there, but he 's just a-goin'."
The visitor swung aside the gate and entered. The man within, engaged
in closing down his roll-top desk for the day, wheeled about in his
chair, quite evidently annoyed by so late a caller. An instant he
looked at the face, partially shadowed in the dim light, then sprang to
his feet, both hands cordially extended.
"Ned Winston, by all the gods!" he exclaimed, his voice full of
heartiness. "Say, but I 'm glad to see you, old man. Supposed it was
some bore wanting to talk business, and this happens to be my busy
night. By Jove, thought I never was going to break away from this
confounded desk--always like that when a fellow has a date. How are
you, anyhow? Looking fine as a fiddle. In shape to kick the pigskin
at this minute, I 'll bet a hundred. Denver yet, I suppose? Must be a
great climate out there, if you 're a specimen. Must like it, anyhow;
why, you 've simply buried yourself in the mountains. Some of the old
fellows were in here talking about it the other day. Have n't been
East before for a couple of years, have you, Ned?"
"Considerably over three, Bob, and only on urgent business now. Have
been hard at it all day, but thought I would take a chance at finding
you in, even at this hour. Knew your natural inclination to grind, you
know. I take a train for the West at midnight."
"Well, I rather guess not," and Craig picked up his hat from the top of
the desk. "Do you imagine I 'll let go of you that easily, now that
you are here? Well, hardly. You 've got to give up that excursion for
one night at least, even if I 'm compelled to get you jugged in order
to hold you safe. I can do it, too; I have a pull with the police
department. My automobile fines are making them rich."
"But you just mentioned having an engagement, or rather a date, which I
suppose means the same thing."
Craig smiled indulgently, his dark eyes filled with humor.
"That's exactly the ticket. Glad to see you keep up with the slang of
the day; proof you live in the real world, possess a normal mind, and
feel an interest in current events. Altogether most commendable. That
engagement of mine happens to be the very thing I want you for. Most
glorious event in our family history, at least within my remembrance.
My birth probably transcended even this in importance, but the details
are not clear. You will add éclat to the occasion. By Jove, it will
be immense; paterfamilias and mater-ditto will welcome you with open
arms. They often speak of you; 'pon my word they do, and I don't know
of another fellow anywhere they 'd rather have join in our little
family celebration. Oh, this is a great night for Old Ireland. Stay?
Why, confound it, of course you 'll stay!"