They did as directed, and he settled up with each of them, turning last to Hooker, who was behind the game. Counting the few chips left to the unfortunate gamester, Osgood announced how many there were and offered their value in change to Roy, who, however, made no attempt to accept the coins. “This is what’s coming to you, Roy,” said Ned. “Take it.” Hooker looked at him blankly. In Cooper’s ear Piper whispered: “He don’t understand. What if he never comes out of it?” “He will; he must,” Chipper whispered back. Ned slid the coins into Roy’s pocket. “Now,” he said, “I think this party had better break up. Somebody will have to see Hooker home, and I think the outside air will revive him. This affair must be kept strictly private. If any one breathes a word about it, he will brand himself as a—— Oh, but I know there’s no need of saying such a thing, and I won’t say it.” “You don’t have to so far as I’m concerned,” asserted Piper promptly. “Any one here would be a chump to tattle.” As Billy was the only one Osgood had feared, Ned immediately showed his relief and satisfaction. Hooker, still sitting supinely on the Morris chair, permitted them to readjust his collar and tie. When they lifted him to his feet he stood still while they actually pushed his arms into his heavy, reefer-like coat. “There you are,” said Osgood, slapping him on the back. “We’re all mighty sorry it happened, Roy, but it was a mistake. As I provided the cards, I must shoulder the blame, if any one. You’ve been a game loser, old chap. Do you need some money? I’ll lend you what you want.” “Queer,” whispered Piper. “He doesn’t seem to understand a word.” “I’m going,” said Shultz suddenly. He removed from the doorknob his cap, which had been hanging there, and turned the key in the lock. As if he realized that something more was expected of him, he stopped and forced himself to turn until he could look back at them, though it was plainly with a great struggle that he did so. “Perhaps some of you fellows blame me,” he flung at them. “If you do, just try to put yourselves in my place. Just try to think of yourselves as holding four aces, getting them squarely and fairly, and then being called a cheat and a robber. Perhaps I wouldn’t have hit him if he hadn’t tried to choke me.” “You’re sorry it happened, aren’t you, Charley?” said Osgood. “I’m sorry—for your sake, anyhow; but I had to defend myself. Any other fellow would have done the same. Good night.” “Go out quietly,” cautioned Ned, as Shultz was disappearing. A few moments later they heard the departing fellow’s footsteps coming up from the sidewalk. “I’ll let the rest of you out myself,” said the host. “Don’t talk as we go downstairs, and step quietly. Come on, Hooker.”