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 "All right, little girl. Your secret shall be preserved," said Mr. James. "Come on, Vance. Where shall we go for an hour?"

"I must have beer. I have been thrilled to the depths of my being by this amazing discovery. I must have lots of beer," cried the big man.

"All right. Only come along. You're collecting a crowd," said Mr. James, thrusting an arm through his and dragging him away.

Pollyooly took the Lump for his airing, and with an eager eye on the face of Big Ben, in the Clock Tower up the river, she dreamed the dreams of Alnaschar.

At a few minutes to four she returned to the Temple; and at four she admitted the big man and Mr. James into the chambers of the Honorable John Ruffin. Almost on their heels came the Honorable John Ruffin himself; and she followed him into his sitting-room.

At the sight of the big man he assumed swiftly a defensive air, raised his hand, and said sternly, "Now, do not gush upon me, Vance. I will not have it. An Englishman's house is his castle. Be moderate—be sane."