“Gee whiz, mater,” Howard was the boy once more,—the boy who shied at too much display of emotion! “I only did what any fellow would do.” “Your father has always been such a pal to you, while I have never been—very close—and yet you turn to me. I—I can’t understand why!” she murmured on softly. “Oh—well—you know, father’s all right—but there’s something about a boy’s mother—Gee!—that gets him, from the time he’s born till he’s an old man.” “Do you know, dear, that at this moment, when I should be heart-broken, I am the happiest woman in the world!” “But mother, you’re crying,” he protested. “Tears of joy, dear—because—I am _your_ mother!” “I’ve never done a thing in my life to make you proud of me, mother, and now I’ve brought this new disgrace upon you. It seems almost too bad that Druid didn’t get me first.” “Hush, dear!” Marjorie shivered. “You are all that I have, now, and we will face this thing bravely—together.” There was little sleep for any members of the Benton family that night, or rather morning, as it was close to five o’clock before they retired. When Mr. Hammond called at ten o’clock, he found Hugh waiting in the library for him. “Good morning, Benton,” he began in his abrupt manner. “Hope you managed to get some rest? I’ve been busy since before eight, and I’m afraid things are not going to be quite as simple as they seemed a few hours ago.” “Why—what do you mean?” Hugh asked anxiously. “Well it seems that Howard did a lot of talking at the club before he went to Druid’s apartment. He spoke to two of the members, and the entire conversation was overheard by the coat-boy.” “What could he have said?” “Oh, many things—all leading up to the statement ‘that he intended to get Druid and settle with him for ruining his sister’s reputation.’ Mind—I don’t say this will make any difference in the outcome of it all—it will just complicate matters. If it hadn’t been for the influence we brought forward last night, I don’t believe we should have been able to bail him out until after the coroner’s inquest.” “When does that take place?” “This afternoon.” “Just what do you think their verdict will be, Hammond?” “I expect it to be ‘death by accident,’” the lawyer answered confidently. “Then this thing will never have to be tried. Now I’d like to have a talk with both Elinor and Howard. Are they up yet?” “I believe so,” Hugh answered. “Would it be possible for you to give me about half an hour of your time before seeing them?” “Why, yes!” Hammond pulled out his watch. “We don’t have to be downtown until two o’clock.” Hugh opened the bottom drawer of his desk and brought out a box of choice Havanas. He offered them to the lawyer, then lighted one himself. But he was apparently ill at ease as Hammond waited inquiringly. “You and I have been friends a great many years, haven’t we, Hammond?” was his beginning.