"Yes," continued Craig, in an instantly and radically changed tone, "the people like a married man, a man with children. It looks respectable, settled. It makes 'em feel he's got a stake in the country--a home and property to defend. Yes, I want a wife." "I don't see why you've neglected it so long." "Too busy." "And too--ambitious," suggested Arkwright. "What do you mean?" demanded Josh, bristling. "You thought you'd wait to marry until you were nearer your final place in the world. Being cut out for a king, you know--why, you thought you'd like a queen--one of those fine, delicate ladies you'd read about." Craig's laugh might have been confession, it might have been mere amusement. "I want a wife that suits me," said he. "And I'll get her." It was Arkwright's turn to be amused. "There's one game you don't in the least understand," said he. "What game is that?" "The woman game." Craig shrugged contemptuously. "Marbles! Jacks!" Then he added: "Now that I'm about ready to marry, I'll look the offerings over." He clapped his friend on the shoulder. "And you can bet your last cent I'll take what I want." "Don't be too sure," jeered Arkwright. The brougham was passing a street lamp that for an instant illuminated Craig's face. Again Arkwright saw the expression that made him feel extremely uncertain of the accuracy of his estimates of the "wild man's" character. "Yes, I'll get her," said Josh, "and for a reason that never occurs to you shallow people. I get what I want because what I want wants me--for the same reason that the magnet gets the steel." Arkwright looked admiringly at his friend's strong, aggressive face. "You're a queer one, Josh," said he. "Nothing ordinary about you." "I should hope not!" exclaimed Craig. "Now for the plunge." CHAPTER II IN THE BEST SOCIETY