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 an inelegant remark from Sheldon, who rarely missed an opportunity, and Saunders helped him out with the same kind of thing. I took my turn and the buffooned Vespa Prince was guyed unmercifully. The four strayed hornets were making an awful din when Mike marched in, silencing us with his gravity and dignity. He disapproved of our boisterousness and came to remind me I must see Alpha Centauri.

Sheldon had his fling at him also, and Saunders gave his snicker that exasperated all who heard it, and caused Saxe. to raise his hands as though the fun had gone far enough.

"I shall have to see her," I murmured nervously. "She sent for me over an hour ago. It will have to take place; it might as well be now."

"Not much!" cried Sheldon. "I would avoid it. What do you suppose she has to say? I bet ten to one, boys, I have the whole interview in a nutshell. Sally, reproachful—the left man always is, I wonder why—and she will whine and simper, and regret, and want him to hang around to see how happy she can be with the other fellow. Same old affair, same old woman, no scarcity of 'em—what did he come over here for?"

Saxe. glanced sternly and hushed him up.

"Go, my boy," he told me; "but cut it short; make it the last time; end everything now. Don't permit her to play with you further."

"She did not play with me," I interrupted; "As far as she is concerned everything was"

"All right," he hurriedly replied; "then you