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 "How do you know I can't?" demanded Laurie with much hauteur. "I haven't said I couldn't. In fact, I—I'm going to!"

"You are?" exclaimed Bob incredulously. "How, Nod?"

The note of respect in Bob's voice dispelled Laurie's annoyance perceptibly. "I don't know—yet," he answered. But there was something in his voice, or maybe in the emphasis put on the final word, or possibly in his manner, that caused Bob to think that he did know. "Oh, come on and tell me, Nod," he asked. "Let me in on it. Maybe I can help, eh? Gosh, I'll say it's fierce to use a fine old lady like that! Are you going to get up a subscription or a—I know! A benefit, eh?"

Laurie shook his head, glancing at his watch as he did so. "I can't tell you anything about it—yet," he replied. "But maybe—as soon as I get the details settled—I've got to do a lot of thinking, you know, Bob."

"Sure! Well, listen, let me in on it, will you? I'd love to do something, you know. I always thought Miss Comfort was a mighty fine old girl—I mean lady, Nod!"