"I was going to ask you to mediate for me, with Polly, but I haven't the heart to ask you, now," ventured Tom. "Why, you big ninny, I've done nothing else but try to mediate between you two for the past two years. If matters haven't reached a crisis by this time, I'd better give up the case and let you get a specialist," exclaimed Mr. Dalken. "Tell me exactly where I stand now, and I'll excuse you from further annoyance on my part." "Great Scott, Man! Can't you tell where you stand? How can _I_ judge. You surely don't want me to propose for you, do you?" Tom couldn't afford to feel indignant, as he had to ask his friend what had happened to Paul and Eleanor, during his temporary absence from the others. So Mr. Dalken told as much of the story as he had been able to understand, concluding with the admonition: "Now that Jack can't wile away time with Nolla, he will, doubtless, turn his full attention to Polly." That was the only malicious remark the poor man permitted himself to indulge in. But Tom took it seriously and said: "Thanks awfully, for the hint. I'll keep after Polly myself, until Baxter gives up the chase." And with that he hurried away to find Polly. He found Paul and Eleanor sitting in the deep window-seat where Polly had been the early part of the evening, and as he wandered about for a glimpse of his "Heart's Desire," the Jap came over with a tray and said: "Mis'r Tom look fer supper? Taki keep nice patty for him." Jack Baxter was near enough to hear Taki, and he laughed jeeringly as he said: "Oh, what a fine man you are, Taki! You know exactly what your master's guests are wanting--patties or Pollies!" Taki grinned but failed to grasp the young man's meaning. Tom did, however, and leaving the oyster patty on the tray, he stalked across to Jack and said, threateningly: "How dare you speak like that? Mentioning Miss Brewster's name in the same breath as an oyster patty or a poll-parrot." But the truth of the matter was, Jack had never meant to convey the meaning, when he said "Pollies," that he spoke of parrots. So he instantly took the stand of the offended one. "How dare you even hint at such an insult to a friend of mine? I consider Miss Brewster too far above either you or me to discuss her with you, about such matters." Wise Taki had disappeared quickly and in another moment the harassed host came hurrying from the serving board. He glowered upon Tom and Jack, and grasping each one by the arm, he hustled them out into the main hall of the building and then spoke. "You two bullies go down in the street and fight it out. I'll do you the favor to ring up the police station and call a cop to come around and take you both in custody--that's where you belong, until you come to your senses. If _I_ were a girl I'd never look at either of you again."