“You don’t mean it, do you?” said Dudley, clearly disappointed. “A fellow can’t drink alone, don’t you know? Take a soda or a sarsaparilla--anything, just to seem social.” The dapper young man did not appear inclined to be easily shaken off. Vance hesitated, and Dudley, taking advantage of his momentary indecision, pressed him so strongly that the boy, not wishing to appear rude, agreed to accompany his undesirable acquaintance across the street to the swell establishment known as the Criterion. “I’ve only just come to town,” said Guy Dudley as they ranged up alongside the mahogany bar, rather an unusual experience for Vance, who never frequented such places in Chicago. “You see, the governor, my father, you know, has a big interest in one of the flour mills out here, and as he couldn’t come himself, he sent me to look after a matter of importance which affects his control of the business.” Vance nodded politely. “I s’pose you’re here on business connected with your boss, Whitemore, eh?” The speaker’s sharp eyes glinted curiously. “What makes you think so?” asked Vance cautiously. “Why, what else should bring you to Kansas City?” “There might be several reasons other than what you suggested,” said Vance, sparring for a valid excuse to throw Guy Dudley off the track. “My father had business interests here before he died which were never settled.” This was strictly a fact; though Vance knew very well that the matter at which he hinted was not in the slightest danger of ever being settled in his mother’s favor at that late day. “You don’t say,” replied Dudley, an incredulous smile curling his lips. “As to Mr. Whitemore,” added Vance, “my experience in his employ is that he is not accustomed to send a boy like me to execute important business.” “That’s true,” winked Dudley, putting down the glass he had just drained; “but then one can never tell just what Whitemore may do. He’s as shrewd as they make them nowadays.” To this remark Vance made no answer. “How long are you going to stay in town?” said Guy Dudley, changing the subject. “I may leave to-morrow and I may not,” replied his companion evasively. “A short stay, eh? Well, you ought to make it a merry one. What are you going to do with yourself to-night?” “I think I shall go to the theater,” said Vance carelessly. “Just what I was going to propose,” said Dudley, with suppressed eagerness. “You must come with me. There is a good show at Hyde & Beaman’s. S’pose we go there?” Vance was rather taken aback at this proposition. He was not a bit anxious to go with Guy Dudley under the circumstances. But to refuse his invitation without some good reason was sure to give offence, and Vance always considered it a wise policy not to make an enemy if he could avoid doing so. So he accepted Dudley’s offer, much to the young man’s inward satisfaction, and then pleaded a business engagement to get rid of him.