have. Their aristocracy is one of birth and culture. You may be reduced to manual labor for a livelihood, but you belong just the same. You have had a sample of the money-changers and their heartless methods--and it has left a bitter taste in your mouth. I think you will welcome the change. It will be a new life, and, in a measure, a quiet life, but there are compensations to one to whom life holds more than garish living and ostentatious show."

"You know the people of the Eastern Shore?" asked Croyden.

"No!--but I know the people of the Western Shore, and they come from the same stock--and it's good stock, mighty good stock! Moreover, you are not burying yourself so deep--Baltimore is just across the Bay, and Philadelphia and New York are but a few hours distant--less distant than this place is, indeed."

"I looked up the time-tables!" laughed Croyden. "My present knowledge of Hampton is limited to the means and methods of getting away."

"And getting to it," appended Macloud. "When do you go?"

"To-morrow night."

"Hum--rather sudden, isn't it?"

"I've seen it coming for a month, so I've had time to pay my small accounts, arrange my few affairs, and be prepared to flit on a moment's notice. I should have gone a week ago, but I indulged myself with a few more days of the old life. Now, I'm off tomorrow night."

"Shall you go direct to Hampton?"

"Direct to Hampton, via New York," said Croyden. "There probably won't anyone care enough even to inquire for me, but I'm not taking the chance."

Macloud watched him with careful scrutiny. Was it serious or was it assumed? Had this seemingly sudden resolve only the failure of Royster & Axtell behind it, or was there a woman there, as well? Was Elaine Cavendish the real reason? There could be no doubt of Croyden's devotion to her--and her more than passing regard for him. Was it because he could not, or because he would not--or both? Croyden was practically penniless--she was an only child, rich in her own right, and more than rich in prospect.

"Will you dine with me, this evening?" asked Macloud.

"Sorry, old man, but I'm due at the Cavendishes'--just a pick-up by telephone. I shall see you, again, shan't I?"

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