“I wish you luck,” affirmed Starr. “I've been talking with your president and he says everything good about your faithfulness, and about how you have been doing guard duty in the bank of late. Perhaps you're a sleepwalker, Vaniman,” he added, with heavy humor. “I feel like one now,” retorted the cashier. “I was awake all last night.” “Ah! Doing what?” asked the examiner, politely, but without interest. The question hinted that in the talk in Britt's office the president had refrained from mention of Barnes, the broker. Vaniman decided instantly to respect Britt's reticence; the president had shown much caution the night before, even in regard to Squire Hexter. “Oh, merely running around on a little business of my own, Mr. Starr.” Britt did not assist by any reference to his own share in the business. “We may as well start along toward the tavern, Starr.” The president took two steps toward the grille and addressed Vona. “I'm going to take Mr. Starr to the show this evening. I want him to see what smart girls we have in Egypt.” Vona did not reply. She turned to Vaniman with the air of one who has suddenly been reminded of something forgotten in the stress of affairs. But before she had an opportunity to speak there was a tramping of hasty feet in the corridor and her father came in through the door that had been left ajar by Britt. “Good evening, all!” hailed Mr. Harnden, cheerily. “But, see here, Vona, my dear girl, we have been waiting supper a whole half hour. You've got scant time to eat and get on your stage togs.” “This has been a pretty busy day in the bank, Harnden,” explained Britt. “Meet Mr. Starr, the bank examiner!” “Oh, hullo, Starr!” cried Mr. Harnden, shoving out a friendly hand. “Heard you were in town. I know Starr,” he told Britt. “I know everybody in the state worth knowing. I told you so.” Mr. Starr was not effusive; there was a hint of sarcasm in his inquiry as to how the invention business was coming along. “Fine and flourishing!” announced Harnden, radiantly. Then he blurted some news which seemed to embarrass Britt very much; the news also provoked intense interest in Vaniman and the daughter. “All I've ever needed is backing, Starr. Now I've got it!” He clapped his hand on the banker's shoulder. “Here's my backer--good as a certified check. Hey, Tasper?” “I'm--I'm always ready to help develop local talent,” Britt admitted, stammering, turning his back on the faces at the grille. “Starr, we'd better get along toward the tavern. I've had some poor luck with Files when he's off his schedule time!” “The new combination of Harnden and Britt will make 'em sit up and take notice,” persisted the inventor. Forgetting Vona, desiring to impress a skeptic from the outside world, he followed Starr and the banker. Vaniman and the girl listened to the optimist's fervid declarations till the slam of the outside door shut them off.