go. Mother is expecting you. If you decide to stick it out--"
Wharton's face showed more than a trace of feeling, his deep voice
lowered a tone--"you may go to hell, with my compliments, and I'll
sit on the lid to keep you there."

He rose, took his hat, and stalked out of the apartment without so
much as a backward glance.




CHAPTER XVIII


"Whew! That was a knockout. But who got licked?" Bob went to the
little sideboard and helped himself to a stiff drink.

"Did he mean it?"

"My dear, time wears away mountains, and rivers dry up, and the
whole solar system is gradually running down, I believe; but dad
isn't governed by any natural laws whatsoever. He's built of
reinforced concrete, and time hardens him. He's impervious to rust
or decay, and gravity exerts no power over him."

"Then I think you'd better make your choice to-night."

Bob's eyes opened. "I have. Don't you understand? I'm going to
stand pat--that is, unless"--he hesitated, his smile was a bit
uncertain--"unless you're sick of your bargain. I'm afraid you