“You up, Wayne? I thought a burglar was entertaining himself. I really believe I’m hungry, too. I’ve delayed writing a statement I was asked to prepare of the educational conditions of the South, and there was a lot of statistical matter to go over. I think I have it the way I want it though.” He stretched himself at ease in a chair, while Wayne brought a plate and cut him a slice of the fowl. “What have you been up to to-night?” “I went out to Ironstead to a show at Paddock’s parish house.” Colonel Craighill’s face expressed surprise and pleasure. “I’m glad to hear it; Paddock’s a good man for you to cultivate.” “Oh, I don’t know about that!” said Wayne, instantly resentful. “I’m not sure but he’s a dangerous character.” “No man who gives his life for the good of mankind can be any other than a useful member of society.” “I suppose that’s so, but if Paddock should lead his ragged legion in an attack on the banks downtown and raid the shops it would be less admirable.” “We must take a hopeful view of society; every school-house in the land is an outpost of democratic ideals,” declared Colonel Craighill impressively, plucking, Wayne guessed, a phrase from the address he had been preparing. “Here at home we’re going to need a good many school-houses to knock the spirit of democracy into the riff-raff of Europe. When do you go away again?” “Oh, not till early in December, when I go to Boston for the conference of the Municipal Service League. Adelaide will go with me.” “I have intended speaking to you about one or two matters. Since Walsh left I’ve been going over all our affairs.” Colonel Craighill stared at his son in frank surprise. “You have been checking over the securities? If you had asked me I could have saved you a good deal of bother. I have them all tabulated so that their salient features can be seen at a glance of the eye.” “Yes; I have a copy of your synopsis and have been checking it.” “I have had that done from time to time so that it has been kept up to date. I’m glad, however, that you are taking an interest in these matters.” “The whole story is not told in your list,” said Wayne, ignoring his father’s approval. “Very likely; only the more important items are noted.” “In the case of that Gregory property you put into the Sand Creek combination, Gregory maintains that he has a claim--I don’t quite understand what it is. He’s a hard one to get anything out of.”