The college men treated this new recruit with a hilarious cordiality, to which he responded with the air of one quite accustomed to such reunions. "I was at the game this afternoon," he explained, when the greetings were over, "and recognized you chaps when you came in. I'm a football fan myself." "You look as if you might have played," said Anthony, sizing up the broad frame of the Missourian with the critical eye of a coach. "Yes. I used to play." "Where?" Mr. Locke avoided answer by calling loudly for a waiter, but when the orders had been taken Kirk repeated: "Where did you play, Mr. Locke?" "Left tackle." "What university?" "Oh one of the Southern colleges. It was a freshwater school--you wouldn't know the name." He changed the subject quickly by adding: "I just got into town this morning and I'm sailing to-morrow. I couldn't catch a boat to-day, so I'm having a little blow-out on my own account. When I recognized you all, I just butted in. New York is a lonesome place for a stranger. Hope you don't mind my joining you." "Not at all!" he was assured. When he came to pay the waiter he displayed a roll of yellow-backed bills that caused Anthony to caution him: "If I were you I'd put that in my shoe. I know this place." Locke only laughed. "There's more where this came from. However, that's one reason I'd like to stick around with you fellows. I have an idea I've been followed, and I don't care to be tapped on the head. If you will let me trail along I'll foot the bills. That's a fair proposition." "It certainly sounds engaging," cried Higgins, joyously. "The sight of that money awakens a feeling of loyalty in our breasts. I speak for all when I say we will guard you like a lily as long as your money lasts, Mr. Locke." "As long as we last," Ringold amended. "It's a bargain," Locke agreed. "Hereafter I foot the bills. You're my guests for the evening, understand. If you'll agree to keep me company until my ship sails I'll do the entertaining." "Oh, come now," Anthony struck in. "The fellows are just fooling. You're more than welcome to stay with us if you like, but we can't let you put up for it." "Why not? We'll make a night of it. I'll show you how we spend money in St. Louis. I'm too nervous to go to bed." Anthony protested, insisting that the other should regard himself as the guest of the crowd; but as Locke proved obdurate the question was allowed to drop until later, when Kirk found himself promoted by tacit consent to the position of host for the whole company. This was a little more than he had bargained for, but the sense of having triumphed in a contest of good-fellowship consoled him. Meanwhile, the stranger, despite his avowedly festive spirit, showed a certain reserve. When the music again struck up he declined to dance, preferring to remain with Higgins in their inconspicuous corner.