smiled in easy fashion. "You know my little habits in that regard.
I'm known here as Brentnall, and, if it's all the same to you, just use
that. As for you, if Spotty--"

"Oh, that suits me as well as any other. I can change whenever I
like." Spotty raised a glass to his lips, and, with a murmured "here's
how," let the contents slide down his always-parched throat.

"That's so, Spotty. Well, I didn't expect to see you here, I give you
my word. When did you leave New York?"

"Well, I come away--"

"Hold on!" interrupted the colonel. "Don't answer. I shouldn't have
asked. I forgot you saved my life just now. Gad! it isn't the first
time I've nearly passed over, but--not in that way!" and he reached for
his glass to conceal the shudder that passed over him as he thought of
the rumbling wheels of the thundering truck.

"Well, Colonel, I--"

"Never mind, Spotty. Perhaps the less you talk the better off you'll
be. Does anybody in town know you're here?"

"Well, my picture--"

"Yes, it is probably down at headquarters. But they're too busy to
look for it now. But they may--later. So far you haven't been
recognized then?"