“This is no time to talk of such things,” protested Dale, doing his best to hide the annoyance and exasperation which threatened to get the upper hand. “If you wish to see me to-morrow——”
“But I don’t. To-morrow I return to Cambridge. We’ll come to an understanding to-night. If not, you’ll be a fool if you ever again show your head at Harvard.”
“As long as you’re so urgent,” smiled Spark, “I suppose I’ll have to give you a modicum of my valuable time. Toddle along, Hanksy, and I will follow your lead.”
A couple who happened to be standing on the veranda saw them come out of the house and stroll away on the lawn, chatting freely in a way that was deceptive in its seeming friendliness. It happened, also, that Jack Randall had seen them leave the house, and had recognized the fellow with Sparkfair.
“What the dickens does that mean?” muttered Randall. “That was Hanks. Where did he come from, and what is he doing here?”
Jack was tempted to follow them, but finally decided not to do so. Some twenty minutes later Sparkfair reappeared in the house and sought Jack, whom he drew apart from the others.
“Randall, old man,” said Dale, “I’d like to borrow a little filthy lucre. Have you some molding simoleons in your clothes?”
“Now, that’s not nice, you know. If a friend asks you for a loan you should submit gracefully and without question to the holdup. I’m sure to pay you if I ever raise the dough. If I don’t, you may rest assured that you have performed a worthy action in contributing to the peace of mind of a distressed comrade.”
“You can’t spend any money here, Spark. How do you expect to get rid of it?”
“I’m going to plug up a rat hole with it. I’ve got to plug that hole, or the rat will eat my cheese. Now, don’t—don’t distress me by further inquiry. Don’t you observe the beads of cold and clammy perspiration upon my noble brow? Can’t you detect the haunting terror in my eye with fine frenzy rolling?”
“Tell me not in mournful numbers that this can be true.”
“Lingering near, like the vulture awaiting the feast.”
“I expect the shingles of Meadwold shelter him at this moment.”
“The dishonest crook, he ought to be kicked out! I’ll see that he is kicked out at once.”
“Be not too hasty in your violent resentment against this pernicious person,” implored Spark. “You can’t kick him to-night, Randy, without hitting me. He has me nailed to the wall, and it’s useless to squirm.”