way. She's head stewardess up to the Hostess House."

"It seems to me I used to see you somewhere in New York," said
Quimbleton.

"I was head bar at the Hotel Pennsylvania," said Jerry. "We had
the finest bar in the world, had only been running a couple of
months when prohibition come in. They turned it into a soda
fountain. Ah, that was a tragedy! But this is a grand job.
Government service, you see: sure pay, tony surroundings, and what
you might call steady custom. Mr. Bleak is as nice a gentleman to
mix 'em for as I ever see."

"But what is this for?" asked Theodolinda, pointing to a beautiful
marble cash register. "Surely Mr. Bleak doesn't have to BUY his
drinks?"

"No, ma'am," said Jerry, "but he likes to have 'em rung up same as
customary. He says it makes it seem more natural. Here he is now!"

Jerry flew to attention behind the three-foot bar, and they turned
to see their friend enter through the bronze swinging doors.

"Well, well!" cried Bleak. "This is a delightful surprise!"

He was dressed in a lounging suit of fine texture, and while he
seemed a little thinner and paler, and his eyes a little weary, he
was in excellent spirits.

"Come," he said, "you're just in time for a bite of lunch. Jerry,