[Illustration: “‘I have the honor to introduce to your attention the world-famed Signor Billinuni’”] “It’s Seth Billings!” cried Chub. “It’s ‘W. N.’!” murmured Roy. “It’s the Poet!” exclaimed Harry. “More familiarly known,” laughed the man, abandoning his pose and extravagant manner, “as Billy Noon, at your service.” “Oh!” cried Harry, scrambling somewhat confusedly to her feet. “You--you’ve come to supper, haven’t you? Won’t you--won’t you be seated?” “After you, my dear young lady,” answered Mr. Noon gallantly. “We thought you weren’t coming,” said Chub. “We were just sending Dick over on a relief expedition with some clothes. What happened? Did you get wet?” The guest had laid aside his tall silk hat and seated himself on the ground at Harry’s side. At Chub’s question his smiling face instantly took on an expression of thoughtful gravity. “Have you ever,” he asked Chub, “been immersed in the Hudson River with your clothes on?” Chub assured him that he never had, feeling rather apologetic about it. Mr. Noon sighed. “Then you don’t know what it is to be thoroughly wet. I was so wet that after I had removed my apparel I was obliged to go in bathing to get dry.” Harry gasped and looked puzzledly at Mr. Noon’s sober countenance until Chub and Dick and Roy burst out laughing. Then Mr. Noon laughed also, and Snip, who had been nosing nearer and nearer, took courage to sniff at the newcomer, and, recognizing an acquaintance, to strive frantically to lick his face. “Hello, ‘K 9,’” said the guest of honor, patting Snip, “did you deliver that note I gave you?” “Yes, he did,” answered Harry. “And we were so surprised, because Snip doesn’t like strangers usually.” “I never have any trouble making friends with dogs,” said Mr. Noon. “And that’s a lucky thing for me, because in my present pursuit I meet all kinds of dogs, and if I didn’t get on with them pretty well I wouldn’t do much business.” “Oh, are you a dog doc--I mean a veterinary surgeon?” asked Harry interestedly. But the other shook his head. “I have been a good many things,” he said, “but I haven’t tried that yet. It’s a good idea, though,” he added thoughtfully, “a very good idea. I’ll keep it in mind.” Dick, assisted by Roy, had been transferring the delayed supper back on to the “table,” and now all was in readiness for a new start. Mr. Noon sniffed the aroma of ham and potatoes and tea with frank appreciation. Then he sighed comfortably.