“Of course, but there’s no harm in having friends that are influential, Sam,” replied Nell wisely. “Folks who get on, I notice, cultivate friends who can help them. That’s plain common sense, Sam.” “Plain common selfishness, you mean,” he answered. “All folks can’t do that sort of thing, because look at the people who have been nice to me lately. Much good I could do them!” “I’m not so sure,” replied Nell thoughtfully, smiling a little. “There are lots of ways to help a person, Sam. Now, that Mr. York, I dare say you helped him.” “Helped Mr. York!” ejaculated Sam. “I’d like to know how!” “I don’t know that. Maybe, though, you took his mind off some worry, or cheered him up when he was feeling unhappy.” “I guess he never needed cheering up,” said Sam. “But I see what you mean, sis. It doesn’t sound so bad that way. Well, I must get along. I asked Tom up to supper to-night. He and I are going to practise a little for to-morrow. If you’re going home early, I’ll wait around awhile for you.” “I’m not, Sam, not very early to-day, thanks. I’ll try to get home by one, though. Tell mother not to wait for me. I’ve promised all this by twelve, and then I’ve got some letters to take for Mr. Hall.” “Oh,” said Sam musingly, watching Nell deftly introduce a “carbon sandwich” into the carriage of the typewriter. “Mr. Hall.” “Exactly,” replied Nell, spacing briskly. “Hm. I wonder, now----” “What?” she asked as he stopped. “I wonder whether Mr. Hall likes me. He sort of seemed to.” “Why shouldn’t he?” she asked cheerfully. “That’s so. Maybe I could help him, you know.” “Of course! That is--well, in what way, Sam?” “There are lots of ways, you said. I might”--Sam edged toward the door--“I might say a good word for him to my sister!” Nell tossed her head. “You can’t tease me about Mr. Hall, Sam,” she said untroubledly. “He and I are good friends, but we’re both of us--businessmen!” “Then what are you blushing for?” demanded Sam meanly. “I’m not blushing, silly! Do run away and let me get to work!” “Oh, all right.” Sam went out, but, just before the door closed finally behind him, he added softly, “Say, sis!” “Go away, please!” “He’s not bad-looking, is he?” The hurried clatter of the machine followed him along the hall until, with a little smile around his eyes, he turned the corner and pressed the elevator signal. CHAPTER XXII BASES FULL!