Heowedittohisancestors。Itwasthetraditionofhisfamily，theonethinghewanted；itwashisreligion。Hewouldgetintothearmyevenifbythesidedoor，ifonlyaftermanyyearsofroughandpatientservice。Heknewthatsomeday，throughhisrecord，throughtheopportunityofawar，hewouldcomeintohisinheritance。Meanwhileheofficeredhissoul，disciplinedhisbody，anddailytriedtolearnthelessonthathewhohopestocontrolothersmustfirstcontrolhimself。
　　Heallowedhimselfbutonedissipation，oneexcess。ThatwastohateMajorAintree，commandingtheThirty-thirdInfantry。Ofalltheworldcouldgive，AintreepossessedeverythingthatStandishconsideredthemosttobedesired。HewasagraduateofWestPoint，hehadseenserviceinCuba，intheBoxerbusiness，andinthePhilippines。ForanactofconspicuouscourageatBatangas，hehadreceivedthemedalofhonor。Hehadhadtheluckofthedevil。Whereverheheldcommandturnedouttobetheplacewherethingsbrokeloose。AndAintreealwaysattackedandroutedthem，alwayswasthemanonthejob。Itwashisnamethatappearedinthenewspapers，itwashisnamethatheadedthelistofthejuniorofficersmentionedfordistinguishedconduct。
　　Standishhadfollowedhiscareerwithanadmirationandajoythatwaswithouttaintofenvyordetraction。HegloriedinAintree，hedelightedtoknowthearmyheldsuchaman。HewasgratefultoAintreeforupholdingthetraditionsofaprofessiontowhichhehimselfgaveallthedevotionofafanatic。Hemadeagodofhim。ThiswastheattitudeofmindtowardAintreebeforehecametotheIsthmus。Uptothattimehehadneverseenhisidol。Aintreehadbeenonlyanamesignedtobrilliantarticlesintheservicemagazines，amanofwhomthosewhohadservedwithhimorunderhim，whenaskedconcerninghim，spokewithloyaltyandawe，themanthenewspaperscalled"theheroofBatangas。"
　　Andwhenatlasthesawhishero，hebelievedhisworshipwasjustified。ForAintreelookedthepart。Hewasbuiltlikeagreyhoundwiththeshouldersofastevedore。Hischinwasasprojecting，andashard，asthepointedendofaflat-iron。Hiseverymovementshowedphysicalfitness，andhiseveryglanceandtoneaconfidenceinhimselfthatapproachedinsolence。Hewasthirty-
　　eight，twelveyearsolderthantheyouthwhohadfailedtomakehiscommission，andwho，asAintreestrodepast，lookedafterhimwithwistful，hero-worshippingeyes。Therevulsion，whenitcame，wasextreme。Thehero-worshipgavewaytocontempt，toindignantcondemnation，inwhichtherewasnopity，noexcuse。Thatoneuponwhomsomuchhadbeenlavished，whoforhimselfhadaccomplishedsuchgoodthings，shouldbringdisgraceuponhisprofession，shouldbyhisexampledemoralizehismen，shouldrisklosingallhehadattained，allthathadbeengiven，wasintolerable。WhenStandishlearnedhisherowasadrunkard，whendayafterdayAintreefurnishedvisibleevidencesofthatfact，StandishfeltAintreehadbetrayedhimandthearmyandthegovernmentthathadeducated，trained，clothed，andfedhim。HeregardedAintreeasworsethanBenedictArnold，becauseArnoldhadturnedtraitorforpowerandmoney；Aintreewasatraitorthroughmereweakness，becausehecouldnotsay"no"toabottle。
　　OnlyinsecretStandishrailedagainstAintree。Whenhisbrotherpolicemengossipedandjestedabouthim，outofloyaltytothearmyheremainedsilent。Butinhishearthecouldnotforgive。
　　Themanhehadsogenerouslyenvied，themanafterwhosecareerhehadwishedtomodelhisown，hadvoluntarilysteppedfromhispedestalandmadeaswineofhimself。Andnotonlycouldhenotforgive，butasdayafterdayAintreefurnishedfreshfoodforhisindignationhefeltafiercedesiretopunish。
　　Meanwhile，oftheconductofAintree，menolderandwiser，iflessintolerantthanStandish，werebeginningtotakenotice。ItwasafteradinneronAnconHill，andthewomenhadleftthementothemselves。TheywerethemenwhowereplacingthePanamaCanalonthemap。Theywereofficersofthearmywhoforfiveyearshadnotwornauniform。Butforfiveyearstheyhadbeenatwarwithanenemythatneverslept。Dailytheyhadengagedinbattlewithmountains，rivers，swamps，twooceans，anddisease。WhereAintreecommandedfivehundredsoldiers，theycommandedabodyofmenbetterdrilled，betterdisciplined，andinnumberhalfasmanyasthosewhoformedtheentirearmyoftheUnitedStates。Themindofeachwasoccupiedwithaworldproblem。Theythoughtandtalkedinmillions——ofmillionsofcubicyardsofdirt，ofmillionsofbarrelsofcement，ofmillionsoftonsofsteel，ofhundredsofmillionsofdollars，ofwhichlattereachreceivedenoughtokeephimselfandhisfamilyjustbeyondthereachofnecessity。Tothesemenwiththeworldwaitingupontheoutcomeoftheirendeavor，withresponsibilitiesthatneverrelaxed，Aintree'sbehaviorwasanincident，anannoyanceoflessimportancethananoverturneddirttrainthatforfiveminutesdaredtoblockthecompletionoftheirwork。Buttheywerehumanandloyaltothearmy，andinsuchaninfrequentmomentasthis，overthecoffeeandcigars，theycouldaffordtorememberthejuniorofficer，tofeelsorryforhim，forthesakeofthearmy，tosavehimfromhimself。
　　"HetakeshisordersdirectfromtheWarDepartment，"saidthechief。"I'venoauthorityoverhim。Ifhe'dbeenoneofmyworkmenI'dhaveshippedhimnorththreemonthsago。"
　　"That'sit，"saidthesurgeon，"he'snotaworkman。Hehasnothingtodo，andidlenessisthecurseofthearmy。Andinthisclimate——"
　　"Nothingtodo！"snortedtheciviladministrator。"Keepinghismeninhandiswhathehastodo！They'rerunningamuckalloverPanama，gettingintofightswiththeSpiggotypolice，bringingtheuniformintocontempt。Asfortheclimate，it'sthesameclimateforallofus。LookatButler'smarinesandBarber'sZonepolice。Theclimatehasn'thurtthem。They'reassmartmenaseverworekhaki。It'snottheclimateorlackofworkthatailstheThirty-third，it'stheircommandingofficer。'Sothecolonel，sotheregiment。'That'sasoldasthehills。UntilAintreetakesabrace，hismenwon't。Someoneoughttotalktohim。It'sashametoseeafinefellowlikethatgoingtothedogsbecausenoonehasthecouragetotellhimthetruth。"
　　Thechiefsmiledmockingly。
　　"Thenwhydon'tyou？"heasked。
　　"I'macivilian，"protestedtheadministrator。"IfItoldhimhewasgoingtothedogshe'dtellmetogotothedevil。No，oneofyouarmymenmustdoit。He'lllistentoyou。"
　　YoungCaptainHaldaneofthecavalrywasatthetable；hewasvisitingPanamaonleaveasatourist。Thechiefturnedtohim。
　　"Haldane'stheman，"hesaid。"You'rehisfriendandyou'rehisjuniorinrank，sowhatyousaywon'tsoundofficial。Tellhimpeoplearetalking；tellhimitwon'tbelongbeforethey'llbetalkinginWashington。Scarehim！"
　　Thecaptainofcavalrysmileddubiously。
　　"Aintree'sahardmantoscare，"hesaid。"Butifit'sasbadasyouallseemtothink，I'llriskit。But，whyisit，"hecomplained，"thatwheneveramanhastobetoldanythingparticularlyunpleasanttheyalwayspickonhisbestfriendtotellhim？Itmakesthembothmiserable。Whynotlethisbitterestenemytryit？Theenemyatleastwouldhaveafinetime。"
　　"Because，"saidthechief，"Aintreehasn'tanenemyintheworld-
　　exceptAintree。"
　　Thenextmorning，ashehadpromised，Haldanecalleduponhisfriend。WhenhearrivedatLasPalmas，althoughthemorningwaswelladvancedtowardnoon，hefoundAintreestillunderhismosquitobarsandawakeonlytocommandadrink。ThesituationfurnishedHaldanewithhistext。Heexpressedhisopinionofanyindividual，friendornofriend，officerorcivilian，whoontheZone，whereallmenbeginworkatsunrise，couldbefoundatnoonstillinhispajamasandpreparingtofacethedutiesofthedayonanabsinthcocktail。HesaidfurtherthatsincehehadarrivedontheisthmushehadheardonlyofAintree'smisconduct，thatsoontheWarDepartmentwouldhearofit，thatAintreewouldlosehiscommission，wouldbreakthebackboneofasplendidcareer。
　　"It'safriendtalking，"continuedHaldane，"andyouknowit！It'sbecauseIamyourfriendthatI'veriskedlosingyourfriendship！
　　And，whetheryoulikeitornot，it'sthetruth。You'regoingdown-hill，goingfast，goinglikeamotor-busrunningaway，andunlessyouputonthebrakesyou'llsmash！"
　　Aintreewasnotevenannoyed。
　　"That'sgoodadvicefortherightman，"hegranted，"butwhywasteitonme？Icandothingsothermencan't。Icanstopdrinkingthisminute，anditwillmeansolittletomethatIwon'tknowI'vestopped。"
　　"Thenstop，"saidHaldane。
　　"Why？"demandedAintree。"Ilikeit。WhyshouldIstopanythingIlike？Becausealotofoldwomenaregossiping？Becauseoldmenwhocan'tdrinkgreenmintwithoutdancingturkey-trotsthinkI'mgoingtothedevilbecauseIcandrinkwhiskey？I'mnotafraidofwhiskey，"helaughedtolerantly。"Itamusesme，that'sallitdoestome；itamusesme。"Hepulledbackthecoatofhispajamasandshowedhisgiantchestandshoulder。Withhisfisthestruckhisbarefleshanditglowedinstantlyahealthy，splendidpink。
　　"Seethat！"commandedAintree。"Ifthere'samanontheisthmusinanybetterphysicalshapethanIam，I'll——"Heinterruptedhimselftobeginagaineagerly。"I'llmakeyouasportingproposition，"
　　heannounced"I'llfightanymanontheisthmustenrounds——
　　nomatterwhoheis，awoplaborer，shovelman，Barbadiannigger，marine，anybody——andifhecanknockmeoutI'llstopdrinking。Yousee，"heexplainedpatiently，"I'mnomollycoddleorjelly-fish。Icanaffordaheadache。Andbesides，it'smyownhead。IfIdon'tgiveanybodyelseaheadache，Idon'tseethatit'sanybodyelse'sdamnedbusiness。"
　　"Butyoudo，"retortedHaldanesteadily。"You'regivingyourownmenworsethanaheadache，you'resettingthemarottenexample，you'regivingtheThirty-thirdabadname-"
　　Aintreevaultedoffhiscotandshookhisfistathisfriend。
　　"Youcan'tsaythattome，"hecried。
　　"Idosayit，"protestedHaldane。"WhenyouwereinManilayourmenweremodels；herethey'reunshaven，sloppy，undisciplined。
　　Theylooklikebell-hops。Andit'syourfault。Andeverybodythinksso。"
　　SlowlyandcarefullyAintreesnappedhisfingers。
　　"Andyoucantelleverybody，fromme，"hecried，"that'sallIcarewhattheythink！Andnow，"hecontinued，smilinghospitably，"letmecongratulateyouonyoursuccessasamissionary，and，toshowyouthere'snotatraceofhardfeeling，wewillhaveadrink。"
　　InformallyHaldanereportedbacktothecommission，andthewifeofoneofthemmusthavetalked，foritwassoonknownthatabrotherofficerhadappealedtoAintreetoreform，andAintreehadrefusedtolisten。
　　Whensheheardthis，GraceCarter，thewifeofMajorCarter，oneofthesurgeonsattheAnconHospital，wasgreatlyperturbed。
　　AintreewasengagedtobemarriedtoHelenScott，whowasherbestfriendandwhowasarrivingbythenextsteamertospendthewinter。WhenshehadHelensafelyunderherroof，Mrs。Carterhadplannedtomarryofftheyoungcoupleoutofhandontheisthmus。
　　Butshehadbeguntowonderifitwouldnotbebettertheyshoulddelay，orbestthattheyshouldnevermarry。
　　"TheawakeningisgoingtobeaterribleblowtoHelen，"shesaidtoherhusband。"Sheissoproudofhim。"
　　"Onthecontrary，"heprotested，"itwillbetheawakeningofAintree——ifHelenwillstandforthewayhe'sacting，sheisnotthegirlIknow。Andwhenhefindsshewon't，andthathemayloseher，he'llpullupshort。He'stalkedHelentomenightafternightuntilhe'sboredmesoIcouldstranglehim。Hecaresmoreforherthanhedoesforanything，forthearmy，orforhimself，andthat'ssayingagreatdeal。Onewordfromherwillbeenough。"
　　Helenspokethewordthreeweeksaftershearrived。Ithadnotbeennecessarytotellherofthemannerinwhichherloverwasmisconductinghimself。Atvariousdinnersgivenintheirhonorhehadmadeanuisanceofhimself；onanotheroccasion，whileinuniform，hehadcreatedasceneinthedining-roomoftheTivoliunderthepryingeyesofthreehundredseeing-the-Canaltourists；
　　andonenighthehadsobadlybeatenupacabmanwhohadlaughedathisconditionthatthemanwenttothehospital。MajorCarter，largelywithmoney，hadhealedtheinjuriesofthecabman，butHelen，whohadwitnessedtheassault，hadsufferedaninjurythatmoneycouldnotheal。
　　ShesentforAintree，andatthehomeofherfrienddeliveredherultimatum。
　　"Ihithimbecausehewasoffensivetoyou，"saidAintree。"That'swhyIhithim。IfI'dnothadadrinkinayear，I'dhavehithimjustasquickandjustashard。"
　　"Can'tyousee，"saidthegirl，"thatinbeingnotyourselfwhenIwasinyourcareyouweremuchmoreinsultingtomethananycabmancouldpossiblybe？Whenyouarelikethatyouhavenorespectforme，orforyourself。Partofmyprideinyouisthatyouaresostrong，thatyoucontrolyourself，thatcommonpleasuresnevergetaholdonyou。Ifyoucouldn'tcontrolyourtemperIwouldn'tblameyou，becauseyou'veavillainoustemperandyouwerebornwithit。Butyouweren'tbornwithatasteforliquor。Noneofyourpeopledrank。Youneverdrankuntilyouwentintothearmy。IfIwereaman，"declaredthegirl，"I'dbeashamedtoadmitanythingwasstrongerthanIwas。Youneverletpainbeatyou。I'veseenyouplaypolowithabrokenarm，butinthisyougivepaintoothers，youshameandhumiliatetheoneyoupretendtolove，justbecauseyouareweak，justbecauseyoucan'tsay'no。'"
　　Aintreelaughedangrily。
　　"Drinkhasnoholdonme，"heprotested。"Itaffectsmeasmuchasthelightsandthemusicaffectagirlatherfirstdance，andnomore。But，ifyouaskmetostop——"
　　"Idonot！"saidthegirl。"Ifyoustop，you'llstopnotbecauseIhaveanyinfluenceoveryou，butbecauseyoudon'tneedmyinfluence。Ifit'swrong，ifit'shurtingyou，ifit'stakingawayyourusefulnessandyourpowerforgood，that'swhyyou'llstop。
　　Notbecauseagirlbegsyou。Oryou'renotthemanIthinkyou。"
　　Aintreeretortedwarmly。"I'menoughofamanforthis，"heprotested："I'menoughofamannottoconfessIcan'tdrinkwithoutmakingabeastofmyself。It'seasynottodrinkatall。
　　Buttostopaltogetherisaconfessionofweakness。I'dlookonmydoingthatascowardly。Igiveyoumyword——notthatI'llswearoff，thatI'llneverdo——butIpromiseyouyou'llhavenofurtherreasontobewhatyoucallhumiliated，orashamed。Youhavemywordforit。"
　　AweeklaterAintreerodehisponyintoarailwaycuttingandrolledwithittothetracksbelow，and，ifatthetimehehadnotbeenextremelydrunk，wouldhavebeenkilled。Thepony，beingquitesober，brokealegandwasdestroyed。
　　WhenwordofthiscametoHelenshewastoosickathearttoseeAintree，andbyothersitwasmadeknowntohimthatonthefirststeamerMissScottwouldreturnNorth。Aintreeknewwhyshewasgoing，knewshehadlostfaithandpatience，knewthewomanhelovedhadbrokenwithhimandputhimoutofherlife。Appalledatthiscalamity，heproceededtogetdrunkinearnest。
　　Thenightwasveryhotandthehumidityveryheavy，andatLasPalmasinsidethebungalowthatservedasapolice-stationthelampsoneithersideofthelieutenant'sdeskburnedliketinyfurnaces。Betweenthem，pantinginthemoistheatandwiththesweatfromhisforeheadandhanddrippinguponanotherwiseimmaculatereport，satStandish。Twoweeksbefore，thechiefhadmadehimoneofhissixlieutenants。Withtheforcethepromotionhadbeenmostpopular。
　　SincehispromotionStandishhadbeeninchargeofthepolice-
　　stationatLasPalmasanddailyhadseenAintreeas，onhiswaydownthehillfromthebarrackstotherailroad，theheroofBatangaspassedthedoorofthestation-house。Also，onthemorningAintreehadjumpedhishorseovertheembankment，Standishhadseenhimcarriedupthehillonastretcher。Atthesightthelieutenantofpolicehadtakenfromhispocketanotebook，andonaflyleafmadeacross。Ontheflyleafweremanyotherdatesandoppositeeachacross。ItwasAintree'srecordandasthenumberofblackcrossesgrew，thegreaterhadgrowntheresentmentofStandish，themoregreatlyithadincreasedhisangeragainstthemanwhohadputthisaffrontuponthearmy，thegreaterbecamehisdesiretopunish。
　　Inpolicecirclesthenighthadbeenquiet，thecellsintheyardwereempty，thetelephoneathiselbowhadremainedsilent，andStandish，aloneinthestation-house，hademployedhimselfincramming"Moss'sManualforSubalterns。"Hefounditafascinatingexercise。Thehopethatsoonhemighthimselfbeasubalternalwaysburnedbrightly，andtobepreparedseemedtomakethecomingofthatdaymorecertain。Itwasteno'clockandLasPalmaslaysunkinslumber，andafterthedowntrainwhichwasnowduehadpassed，therewasnothinglikelytodisturbherslumberuntilatsunrisethegreatarmyofdirt-diggerswithshrieksofwhistles，withroarsofdynamite，withtherumblingofdirt-trainsandsteam-shovels，againsprangtotheattack。Downthehill，ahundredyardsbelowStandish，thenighttrainhaltedatthestation，withcreakingsandgroaningscontinuedtowardColon，andagainLasPalmasreturnedtosleep。
　　And，then，quicklyandviciously，likethecrackofamule-whip，camethereportsofapistol；andoncemorethehotanddrippingsilence。
　　Onpostattherailroad-station，whencetheshotscame，wasMeehan，oneoftheZonepolice，anex-sergeantofmarines。Ontopofthehill，outsidetheinfantrybarracks，wasanotherpoliceman，Bullard，onceacowboy。
　　StandishrantotheverandaandheardthepebblesscatteringasBullardleapeddownthehill，andwhen，inthelightfromtheopendoor，hepassed，thelieutenantshoutedathimtofindMeehanandreportback。Thenthedesktelephonerang，andStandishreturnedtohischair。
　　"ThisisMeehan，"saidavoice。"ThoseshotsjustnowwerefiredbyMajorAintree。Hecamedownonthenighttrainandjumpedoffafterthetrainwaspullingoutandstumbledintoanegro，andfell。He'sbeendrinkingandhesworetheniggerpushedhim；andthemancalledAintreealiar。Aintreepulledhisgunandtheniggerran。Aintreefiredtwice；thenIgottohimandknockedthegunoutofhishandwithmynightstick。"
　　Therewasapause。Untilhewassurehisvoicewouldbesteadyandofficial，theboylieutenantdidnotspeak。
　　"Didhehitthenegro？"heasked。
　　"Idon'tknow，"Meehananswered。"Themanjumpedforthedarkestspothecouldfind。"ThevoiceofMeehanlostitsprofessionalcalmandbecamepersonalandaggrieved。
　　"Aintree'sonhiswaytoseeyounow，lieutenant。He'sgoingtoreportme。"
　　"Forwhat？"
　　Thevoiceoverthetelephoneroseindignantly。
　　"Forknockingthegunoutofhishand。Hesaysit'sanassault。
　　He'sgoingtobreakme！"
　　Standishmadenocomment。
　　"Reporthere，"heordered。
　　HeheardBullardhurryingupthehillandmethimatthefootofthesteps。
　　"There'sanigger，"beganBullard，"lyingundersomebushes——"
　　"Hush！"commandedStandish。
　　Fromthepathbelowcamethesoundoffootstepsapproachingunsteadily，andthevoiceofamanswearingandmutteringtohimself。Standishpulledtheex-cowboyintotheshadowofthedarknessandspokeineagerwhispers。
　　"Youunderstand，"heconcluded，"youwillnotreportuntilyouseemepickupacigarfromthedeskandlightit。Youwillwaitouthereinthedarkness。Whenyouseemelightthecigar，youwillcomeinandreport。"
　　Thecowboypolicemannodded，butwithoutenthusiasm。"I
　　understand，lieutenant，"hesaid，"but，"heshookhisheaddoubtfully，"itsizesuptomelikewhatthosepoliceupinNewYorkcalla'frame-up。'"
　　Standishexclaimedimpatiently。
　　"It'snotmyframe-up！"hesaid。"Theman'sframedhimselfup。
　　AllI'mgoingtodoistonailhimtothewall！"
　　StandishhadonlytimetoreturntohisdeskwhenAintreestumbledupthepathandintothestation-house。Hewas"fightingdrunk，"
　　ugly，offensive，allbutincoherentwithanger。
　　"Youincharge？"hedemanded。Hedidnotwaitforananswer。
　　"I'vebeen'saulted！"heshouted。"'Saultedbyoneofyourdamnedpolicemen。Hestruckme——struckmewhenIwasprotectingmyself。
　　Hehadaniggerwithhim。Firsttheniggertrippedme；then，whenItriedtoprotectmyself，thisthugofyourshitsme，clubsme，youunnerstan'，clubsme！Iwanthim——"
　　HewasinterruptedbytheentranceofMeehan，whomovedintothelightfromthelampsandsalutedhislieutenant。
　　"That'stheman！"roaredAintree。ThesightofMeehanwhippedhimintogreaterfury。
　　"Iwantthatmanbroke。Iwanttoseeyoustriphisshieldoffhim——now，youunnerstan'，now——for'saultingme，for'saultinganofficerintheUnitedStatesarmy。And，ifyoudon't，"hethrewhimselfintoapositionoftheprize-ring，"I'llbeathimupandyou，too。"Throughwantofbreath，hestopped，andpanted。Againhisvoicebrokeforthhysterically。"I'mnotafraidofyourdamnednight-sticks，"hetaunted。"Igotfivehundredmenontopthishill，allI'vegottodoistosaytheword，andthey'llrough-housethisplaceandthrowitintothecut——andyouwithit。"
　　Standishrosetohisfeet，andacrossthedesklookedsteadilyatAintree。ToAintreethesteadinessofhiseyesandthequietnessofhisvoicewereanaddedaggravation。
　　"Supposeyoudid，"saidStandish，"thatwouldnotsaveyou。"
　　"Fromwhat？"roaredAintree。"ThinkI'mafraidofyournight-
　　sticks？"
　　"Fromarrest！"
　　"Arrestme！"yelledAintree。"Doyouknowwho'stalkingtoyou？
　　DoyouknowwhoIam？I'mMajorAintree，damnyou，commandingtheinfantry。An'I'mheretochargethatthug——"
　　"Youareherebecauseyouareunderarrest，"saidStandish。"Youarearrestedforthreateningthepolice，drunkenness，andassaultingacitizenwithintenttokill——"Thevoiceoftheyoungmanturnedshrillandrasping。"Andifthemanshoulddie——"
　　Aintreeburstintoabellowofmockinglaughter。
　　Standishstruckthedeskwithhisopenpalm。
　　"Silence！"hecommanded。
　　"Silencetome！"roaredAintree，"youimpertinentpup！"Heflunghimselfforward，shakinghisfist。"I'mMajorAintree。I'myoursuperiorofficer。I'manofficeran'agentleman——"
　　"Youarenot！"repliedStandish。"Youareadrunkenloafer！"
　　Aintreecouldnotbreakthesilence。Amazement，rage，stupefactionheldhiminincredulouswonder。EvenMeehanmoveduneasily。
　　Betweentheofficercommandingtheinfantryandanofficerofpolice，hefearedthelieutenantwouldnotsurvive。
　　Butheheardthevoiceofhislieutenantcontinuing，evenly，coldly，likethevoiceofajudgedeliveringsentence。
　　"Youareadrunkenloafer，"repeatedtheboy。"Andyouknowit。
　　AndImeanthatto-morrowmorningeveryoneontheZoneshallknowit。AndImeanto-morrownighteveryoneintheStatesshallknowit。You'vekilledaman，ortriedto，andI'mgoingtobreakyou。"
　　WithhisarmhepointedtoMeehan。"Breakthatman？"hedemanded。
　　"Fordoinghisduty，fortryingtostopamurder？Striphimofhisshield？"Theboylaughedsavagely。"It'syouIamgoingtostrip，Aintree，"hecried，"you'heroofBatangas'；I'mgoingtostripyounaked。I'mgoingto'cutthebuttonsoffyourcoat，andtearthestripesaway。'I'mgoingtodegradeyouanddisgraceyou，anddriveyououtofthearmy！"Hethrewhisnote-bookonthetable。"There'syourdossier，Aintree，"hesaid。"Forthreemonthsyou'vebeendrunk，andthere'syourrecord。Thepolicegotitforme；it'swrittentherewithdatesandthenamesofwitnesses。I'llsweartoit。I'vebeenafteryoutogetyou，andI'vegotyou。
　　Withthatbook，withwhatyoudidto-night，you'llleavethearmy。Youmayresign，youmaybecourt-martialled，youmaybehung。Idon'tgiveadamnwhattheydotoyou，butyouwillleavethearmy！"
　　HeturnedtoMeehan，andwithajerkofthehandsignifiedAintree。
　　"Puthiminacell，"hesaid。"Ifheresists——"
　　Aintreegavenosignofresisting。Hestoodmotionless，hisarmshanginglimp，hiseyesprotruding。Theliquorhaddiedinhim，andhisangerhadturnedchill。Hetriedtomoistenhislipstospeak，buthisthroatwasbaked，andnosoundissued。Hetriedtofocushiseyesuponthemenacinglittlefigurebehindthedesk，butbetweenthetwolampsitswayed，andshrankandswelled。Ofonethingonlywashesure，thatsomegravedisasterhadovertakenhim，somethingthatwhenhecamefullytohissensesstillwouldoverwhelmhim，somethinghecouldnotconquerwithhisfists。
　　Hisbrain，evenbefuddledasitwas，toldhimhehadbeencaughtbytheheels，thathewasinatrap，thatsmashingthisboywhothreatenedhimcouldnotsethimfree。Herecognized，anditwasthisknowledgethatstirredhimwithalarm，thatthiswasnoordinaryofficerofjustice，butapersonalenemy，anavengingspiritwho，forsomeunknownreason，hadspreadatrap；who，forsomeprivatepurposeofrevenge，woulddraghimdown。
　　Frowningpainfully，hewavedMeehanfromhim。
　　"Wait，"hecommanded。"Idon'unnerstan'。Whatgood'sitgoin'todoyoutolockmeupan'disgraceme？WhatharmhaveIdoneyou？
　　Whoaskedyoutorunthearmy，anyway？Whoareyou？"
　　"MynameisStandish，"saidthelieutenant。"MyfatherwascoloneloftheThirty-thirdwhenyoufirstjoineditfromtheAcademy。"
　　Aintreeexclaimedwithsurpriseandenlightenment。Hebrokeintohurriedspeech，butStandishcuthimshort。
　　"AndGeneralStandishoftheMexicanWar，"hecontinued，"wasmygrandfather。SinceWashingtonallmypeoplehavebeenofficersoftheregulararmy，andI'dbeenone，too，ifI'dbeenbrightenough。
　　That'swhyIrespectthearmy。That'swhyI'mgoingtothrowyououtofit。You'vedoneharmfiftymenasgoodasyoucan'tundo。
　　You'vemadedrunkardsofawholebattalion。You'vetaughtboyswholookeduptoyou，asIlookeduptoyouonce，tolaughatdiscipline，tomakeswineofthemselves。You'vesetthemanexample。
　　I'mgoingtomakeanexampleofyou。That'sallthereistothis。I'vegotnogrudgeagainstyou。I'mnotvindictive；I'msorryforyou。But，"
　　hepausedandpointedhishandatAintreeasthoughitheldagun，"youaregoingtoleavethearmy！"
　　Likeamancomingoutofanuglydream，Aintreeopenedandshuthiseyes，shivered，andstretchedhisgreatmuscles。Theywatchedhimwithaneffortofthewillforcehimselfbacktoconsciousness。
　　Whenagainhespoke，histonewassane。
　　"Seehere，Standish，"hebegan，"I'llnotbegofyouoranyman。
　　Ionlyaskyoutothinkwhatyou'redoing。Thismeansmyfinish。
　　Ifyouforcethisthroughto-nightitmeanscourt-martial，itmeansIlosemycommission，Ilose——losethingsyouknownothingabout。
　　And，ifI'vegotarecordfordrinking，I'vegotarecordforotherthings，too。Don'tforgetthat！"
　　Standishshookhishead。"Ididn'tforgetit，"hesaid。
　　"Well，supposeIdid，"demandedAintree。"SupposeIdidgoontheloose，justtopassthetime，justbecauseI'msickofthisdamnedditch？Isitfairtowipeoutallthatwentbefore，forthat？I'mtheyoungestmajorinthearmy，Iservedinthreecampaigns，I'mamedal-of-honorman，I'vegotacareeraheadofme，and——andI'mgoingtobemarried。Ifyougivemeachance-"
　　Standishstruckthetablewithhisfist。
　　"Iwillgiveyouachance，"hecried。"Ifyou'llgiveyourwordtothismanandtome，that，sohelpyouGod，you'llneverdrinkagain——I'llletyougo。"
　　IfwhatStandishproposedhadbeensomethingbase，Aintreecouldnothaveaccepteditwithmorecontempt。
　　"I'llseeyouinhellfirst，"hesaid。
　　Asthoughtheinterviewwasatanend，Standishdroppedintohischairandleaningforward，fromthetablepickedupacigar。Ashelitit，hemotionedMeehantowardhisprisoner，butbeforethepolicemancouldadvancethesoundoffootstepshaltedhim。
　　Bullard，hiseyesfilledwithconcern，leapedupthesteps，andrantothedesk。
　　"Lieutenant！"hestammered，"thatman——theniggerthatofficershot——he'sdead！"
　　Aintreegaveagaspthatwaspartlyagroan，partlyacryofprotest，andBullard，asthoughforthefirsttimeawareofhispresence，sprangbacktotheopendoorandplacedhimselfbetweenitandAintree。
　　"It'smurder！"hesaid。
　　Noneofthethreemenspoke；andwhenMeehancrossedtowhereAintreestood，staringfearfullyatnothing，hehadonlytotouchhissleeve，andAintree，stillstaring，fellintostepbesidehim。
　　FromtheyardoutsideStandishheardtheirondoorofthecellswingshut，heardthekeygrateinthelock，andthefootstepsofMeehanreturning。
　　Meehanlaidthekeyuponthedesk，andwithBullardstoodatattention，waiting。
　　"Givehimtime，"whisperedStandish。"Letitsinkin！"
　　AttheendofhalfanhourStandishheardAintreecalling，and，withMeehancarryingalantern，steppedintotheyardandstoppedatthecelldoor。
　　Aintreewasquitesober。Hisfacewassetandwhite，hisvoicewasdullwithsuffering。Hestooderect，claspingthebarsinhishands。
　　"Standish，"hesaid，"yougavemeachanceawhileago，andI
　　refusedit。Iwasroughaboutit。I'msorry。ItmademehotbecauseIthoughtyouwereforcingmyhand，blackmailingmeintodoingsomethingIoughttodoasafreeagent。Now，Iamafreeagent。Youcouldn'tgivemeachancenow，youcouldn'tletmegonow，notifIsworeonathousandBibles。Idon'tknowwhatthey'llgiveme——Leavenworthforlife，orhanging，orjustdismissal。
　　But，you'vegotwhatyouwanted——I'mleavingthearmy！"BetweenthebarshestretchedouthisarmsandheldahandtowardMeehanandStandish。Inthesamedull，numbedvoicehecontinued。
　　"So，now，"hewenton，"thatI'venothingtogainbyit，Iwanttosweartoyouandtothismanhere，thatwhetherIhang，orgotojail，oramturnedloose，Iwillnever，sohelpmeGod，takeanotherdrink。"
　　Standishwasholdingthehandofthemanwhooncehadbeenhishero。Heclutchedittight。
　　"Aintree，"hecried，"supposeIcouldworkamiracle；supposeI'veplayedatrickonyou，toshowyouyourdanger，toshowyouwhatmightcometoyouanyday——doesthatoathstillstand？"
　　Thehandthatheldhisgroundthebonestogether。
　　"I'vegivenmyword！"criedAintree。"FortheloveofGod，don'ttortureme。Isthemanalive？"
　　AsStandishswungopenthecelldoor，theheroofBatangas，hewhocouldthrashanymanontheisthmus，crumpleduplikeachilduponhisshoulder。
　　AndMeehan，asheranforwater，shoutedjoyfully。
　　"Thatnigger，"hecalledtoBullard，"cangohomenow。Thelieutenantdon'twanthimnomore。
　　"
　　EVILTOHIMWHOEVILTHINKS
　　Asarule，theinstanttheseasonclosedAlineProctorsailedonthefirststeamerforLondon，whereawaitedhermanyfriends，bothEnglishandAmerican——andtoParis，wheresheselectedthosegownsthatonandoffthestagehelpedtomakeherfamous。ButthisparticularsummershehadspentwiththeEndicottsatBarHarbor，anditwasattheirhouseHerbertNelsonmether。AfterHerbertmetherveryfewothermenenjoyedthatprivilege。Thiswasherwishaswellashis。
　　Theybehaveddisgracefully。Everymorningafterbreakfasttheydisappearedandspentthedayatoppositeendsofacanoe。She，knowingnothingofacanoe，washappyinstabbingthewaterswithherpaddlewhilehetoldherhowhelovedherandatthesametime，withanxiouseyesonhisownpaddle，skilfullyfrustratedhereffortstodrownthemboth。Whiletheaffairlasteditwasidealandbeautiful，butunfortunatelyitlastedonlytwomonths。
　　ThenLordAlbany，temporarilyinAmericaashonoraryattachetotheBritishembassy，hisadoringglances，hisaccent，andthewayhebrushedhishair，provedtoomuchforthesusceptibleheartofAline，andshechuckedHerbertandaskedherselfhowawomanofheragecouldhaveseriouslyconsideredmarryingayouthjustoutofHarvard！Atthattimeshewasawomanofnineteen；but，asshehadbeenbeforethepubliceversinceshewaseleven，thewomendeclaredshewasnotadayundertwenty-six；andthemenknewshecouldnotpossiblybeoversixteen！
　　Aline'sownideaofherselfwasthatwithoutsomeoneinlovewithhershecouldnotexist——that，unlesssheknewsomemancaredforherandforheralone，shewouldwitheranddie。Asamatteroffact，whetheranyonelovedherornotdidnotintheleastinteresther。Therewereseveraldozenmenwhocouldtestifytothat。Theyknew！Whatshereallywantedwastobeheadoverearsinlove——toadoresomeone，toworshiphim，toimagineherselfstarvingforhimandmakingsacrificehitsforhim；butwhenthemomentcametomakethesacrificehitandmarrytheman，sheinvariablyfoundthatagreater，truerlovehadarisen——forsomeoneelse。
　　Thisgreaterandtruerlovealwaysmadeherbehaveabominablytotheyouthshehadjustjilted。Shewastednotimeonpost-mortems。
　　Shewassoeagertoshowherabsoluteloyaltytothenewmonarchthatshegrudgedeverythoughtsheeverhadgiventheoneshehadcastintoexile。Sheresentedhimbitterly。Shecouldnotforgivehimforhavingallowedhertobedesperatelyinlovewithhim。Heshouldhaveknownhewasnotworthyofsuchaloveashers。Heshouldhaveknownthattherealprincewaswaitingonlyjustroundthecorner。
　　Asaruletherejectedonesbehavedwell。EachdecidedAlinewasmuchtoowonderfulacreatureforhim，andcontinuedtolovehercautiouslyandfromadistance。Noneofthemeverspokeorthoughtillofherandwouldgladlyhavepunchedanyonewhodid。ItwasonlythewomenwhoseyoungmenAlinehadtemporarilyconfiscated，andthenreturnedsaddenedandchastened，whowerespiteful。AndtheydaredsaynomorethanthatAlinewouldprobablyhaveknownhermindbetterifshehadhadamothertolookafterher。This，comingtotheearsofAline，causedhertoreplythatagirlwhocouldnotkeepstraightherself，butneededamothertohelpher，wouldnotkeepstraighthadsheadozenmothers。Assheputitcheerfully，agirlwhogoeswrongandthenpleads"nomothertoguideher"islikeajockeywhopullsaraceandthenblamesthehorse。
　　EachoftheyoungmenAlinerejectedmarriedsomeoneelseand，exceptwhenthenameofAlineProctorinthetheatricaladvertisementsorinelectriclightsonBroadwaygavehimastart，forgotthatforamonthhernameandhisownhadbeenlinkedtogetherfromPortlandtoSanFrancisco。Butthegirlhemarrieddidnotforget。SheneverunderstoodwhatthepublicsawinAlineProctor。ThatAlinewasthequeenofmusicalcomedysheattributedtothefactthatAlineknewtherightpeopleandgotherselfwrittenaboutintherightway。Butthatshecouldsing，dance，act；thatshepossessedcompellingcharm；thatshe"gotacross"notonlytothetiredbusinessman，thewineagent，thecollegeboy，butalsotothechildrenandtheoldladies，wastoherneverapparent。
　　JustasAlinecouldnotforgivetherejectedsuitorforallowinghertolovehim，sothegirlhemarriedneverforgaveAlineforhavinglovedherhusband。LeastofallcouldSallyWinthrop，whotwoyearsafterthesummeratBarHarbormarriedHerbertNelson，forgiveher。AndsheletHerbertknowit。HerbertwasproperlyinlovewithSallyWinthrop，buthelikedtothinkthathisengagementtoAline，thoughbriefandabruptlyterminated，hadprovedhimtobeamanfatallyattractivetoallwomen。AndthoughhewashypnotizinghimselfintobelievingthathisfeelingforAlinehadbeenthegrandpassion，thetruthwasthatallthatkeptherinhisthoughtswashisownvanity。Hewasnotdiscontentedwithhislot——hislotbeingSallyWinthrop，hermillions，andherestateofthreehundredacresnearWestbury。
　　NorwashestilllongingforAline。Itwasonlythathisvanitywasflatteredbytherecollectionthatoneoftheyoungwomenmostbelovedbythepublichadoncelovedhim。
　　"IoncewasakinginBabylon，"heusedtomisquotetohimself，"andshewasaChristianslave。"
　　Hewasasyoungasthat。
　　Hadhebeencontentinsecrettoassurehimselfthatheoncehadbeenareigningmonarch，hisvanitywouldhaveharmednoone；
　　but，unfortunately，hepossessedcertaindocumentaryevidencetothatfact。Andhewassufficientlyfoolishnottowishtodestroyit。TheevidenceconsistedofadozenphotographshehadsnappedofAlineduringthehappydaysatBarHarbor，andonwhichshehadwrittenphrasessomewhatexuberantandsentimental。
　　FromthesephotographsNelsonwasloathtopart——especiallywithonethatshowedAlineseatedonarockthatranintothewatersoftheharbor，andonwhichshehadwritten："Aslongasthisrocklasts！"EachtimeshewasinloveAlinebelieveditwouldlast。
　　Thatinthepastitneverhadlasteddidnotdiscourageher。
　　WhattodowiththesephotographsthatsovividlyrecalledthemosttumultuousperiodofhislifeNelsoncouldnotdecide。IfhehidthemawayandSallyfoundthem，heknewshewouldmakehislifemiserable。IfhediedandSallythenfoundthem，whenhenolongerwasabletoexplainthattheymeantnothingtohim，shewouldbelievehealwayshadlovedtheotherwoman，anditwouldmakehermiserable。Hefelthecouldnotsafelykeeptheminhisownhouse；hisvanitydidnotpermithimtoburnthem，and，accordingly，hedecidedtounloadthemonsomeoneelse。
　　TheyoungmantowhomheconfidedhiscollectionwasCharlesCochran。CochranwasacharmingpersonfromtheWest。HehadstudiedintheBeauxArtsandonfoothadtravelledoverEnglandandEurope，preparinghimselftotryhisfortuneinNewYorkasanarchitect。HewasnowintheofficeofthearchitectsPost&
　　Constant，andlivedaloneinatinyfarmhousehehadmadeoverforhimselfnearHerbertNelson，atWestbury，LongIsland。
　　Post&ConstantwereafashionablefirmandwereresponsibleformanyoftheFrenchchateauxandEnglishcountryhousesthatwererisingnearWestbury，Hempstead，andRoslyn；anditwasCochran'sdutytodriveoverthatterritoryinhisrunabout，keepaneyeonthecontractors，anddissuadeclientsfromgraftingmansardroofsonItalianvillas。HehadbuiltthesummerhomeoftheHerbertNelsons，andHerbertandCharleswereverywarmfriends。CharleswasofthesamelackofyearsaswasHerbert，ofanenthusiasticandsentimentalnature；and，likemanyotheryoungmen，thestoryofhislifealsowasthelovelyandmuch-desiredAlineProctor。
　　ItwasthiscoincidencethathadmadethemfriendsandthathadledHerberttoselectCharlesasthecustodianofhistreasure。
　　AsacustodianandconfidantCharlesespeciallyappealedtohisnewfriend，because，exceptuponthestageandinrestaurants，CharleshadneverseenAlineProctor，didnotknowher——andconsideredhersofarabovehim，sounattainable，thathehadnowishtoseekherout。Unknown，hepreferredtoworshipatadistance。InthisdeterminationHerbertstronglyencouragedhim。
　　WhenheturnedoverthepicturestoCharles，Herbertcouldnotresistshowingthemtohim。Theywereinmanywayscharming。
　　Theypresentedthequeenofmusicalcomedyinseveralnewroles。
　　Inoneshewasinasailorsuit，givinganimitationofagirlpaddlingacanoe。Inanothershewasinariding-habitmounteduponaponyofwhichsheseemedverymuchafraid。
　　Insomeshesatlikeasirenamongtherockswiththewavesandseaweedsnatchingatherfeet，andinanothershecrouchedbeneaththewheelofHerbert'stouringcar。Allofthephotographswereunprofessionalandintimate，andthelegendsscrawledacrossthemwereevenmoreintimate。
　　"'Aslongasthisrocklasts！'"readHerbert。Atarm'slengthheheldthepictureforCochrantosee，andlaughedbitterlyandunmirthfullyashehadheardleadingmenlaughinproblemplays。
　　"Thatiswhatshewrote，"hemocked——"buthowlongdiditlast？
　　Untilshesawthatlittlered-headedAlbanyplayingpolo。Thatlasteduntilhismotherheardofit。Shethoughtherpreciouslambwasintheclutchesofadesigningactress，andmadetheForeignOfficecablehimhome。ThenAlinetookuponeofthosearmyaviators，andchuckedhimforthatfellowwhopaintedherportrait，andthrewhimoverforthelawn-tennischampion。Nowshe'sengagedtoChesterGriswold，andHeavenpityher！Ofcoursehe'sthegreatestcatchinAmerica；buthe'saprigandasnob，andhe'ssogenerouswithhismoneythathe'llgiveyoufivepenniesforanickelanytimeyouaskhim。He'sgotaheartlikethemetreofataxicab，andhe'sjealousasacat。AlinewillhaveafinetimewithChester！IknewhimatSt。Paul'sandatHarvard，andhe'sgotasmuchredbloodinhimasaneel！"
　　Cochransprangtothedefenseoftheladyofhisdreams。
　　"Theremustbesomegoodintheman，"heprotested，"orMissProctor-"
　　"Oh，thosesolemnsnobs，"declaredHerbert，"impresswomenbyjustkeepingstill。Griswoldpretendsthereasonhedoesn'tspeaktoyouisbecausehe'stoosuperior，buttherealreasonisthatheknowswheneverheopenshismouthheshowsheisanass。"
　　ReluctantlyHerbertturnedovertoCharlesthepreciouspictures。
　　"Itwouldbeasintodestroythem，wouldn'tit？"heprompted。
　　Cochranagreedheartily。
　　"Youmighteven，"suggestedHerbert，"leaveoneortwoofthemabout。YouhavesomanyofAlinealreadythatonemorewouldn'tbenoticed。ThenwhenIdropinIcouldseeit。"Hesmiledingratiatingly。
　　"ButthoseIhaveIbought，"Cochranpointedout。"Anybodycanbuythem，butyoursarepersonal。Andthey'resigned。"
　　"Noonewillnoticethatbutme，"protestedHerbert。"Justoneortwo，"hecoaxed-"stuckroundamongtheothers。They'dgivemeaheapofmelancholypleasure。"
　　Charlesshookhisheaddoubtfully。
　　"Yourwifeoftencomesherewithyou，"hesaid。"Idon'tbelievethey'dgivehermelancholypleasure。Thequestionis，areyoumarriedtoSallyortoAlineProctor？"
　　"Oh，ofcourse，"exclaimedHerbert——"ifyourefuse！"
　　WithsuspicioushasteCharlessurrendered。
　　"Idon'trefuse，"heexplained；"Ionlyaskifit'swise。SallyknowsyouwereonceveryfondofMissProctor——knowsyouwereengagedtoher。"
　　"But，"protestedHerbert，"SallyseesyourphotographsofAline。
　　Whatdifferencecanafewmoremake？Aftershe'sseenadozenshegetsusedtothem。"
　　NosoonerhadHerbertlefthimthanthecustodianofthetreasurehimselfselectedthephotographshewoulddisplay。Inthemtheyoungwomanhehad——fromthefrontrowoftheorchestra——soardentlyadmiredappearedinanewlight。ToCochrantheyseemedatoncetorenderhermorekindly，moreapproachable；toshowherasshereallywas，thesortofgirlanyyouthwouldfinditextremelydifficultnottolove。Cochranfounditextremelyeasy。Thephotographsgavehisimaginationalltheroomitwanted。Hebelievedtheyalsogavehimaninsightintoherrealcharacterthatwasdeniedtoanybodyelse。
　　Hehadalwayscreditedherwithallthevirtues；henowendowedherwitheverycharmofmindandbody。InaweektothetwophotographshehadselectedfromtheloancollectionforpurposesofdisplayandtogiveHerbertmelancholypleasurehehadaddedthreemore。Intwoweekstherewerehalfadozen。Inamonth，noblyframedinsilver，inleatherofred，green，andblue，theentirecollectionsmileduponhimfromeverypartofhisbedroom。Forhenowkeptthemwherenoonebuthimselfcouldseethem。Nolongerwasheofamindtosharehisborrowedtreasurewithothers——notevenwiththerightfulowner。
　　ChesterGriswold，spurredonbyAlineProctor，whowantedtobuildasummerhomeonLongIsland，wasmotoringwithPost，ofPost&Constant，intheneighborhoodofWestbury。Posthadpointedoutseveralhousesdesignedbyhisfirm，whichhehopedmightassistGriswoldinmakinguphismindastothekindofhousehewanted；butnonetheyhadseenhadsatisfiedhisclient。
　　"WhatIwantisacheaphouse，"explainedtheyoungmillionaire。
　　"Idon'treallywantahouseatall，"hecomplained。"It'sMissProctor'sidea。WhenwearemarriedIintendtomoveintomymother'stownhouse，butMissProctorwantsoneforherselfinthecountry。I'veagreedtothat；butitmustbesmallanditmustbecheap。"
　　"Cheap"wasawordthattheclientsofPost&Constantneverused；butPostknewtheweaknessesofsomeofthetrulyrich，andheknewalsothatnohouseeverbuiltcostonlywhatthearchitectsaiditwouldcost。
　　"Iknowtheveryhouseyouwant！"heexclaimed。"Oneofouryoungmenownsit。Hemadeitoverfromanoldfarmhouse。It'sverywellarranged；we'veusedhisground-planseveraltimesanditworksoutsplendidly。Ifhe'snotathome，I'11showyouovertheplacemyself。Andifyoulikethehousehe'sthemantobuildyouone。"
　　WhentheyreachedCochran'shomehewasatGardenCityplayinggolf，buttheservantknewMr。Post，andtohimandhisclientthrewopeneveryroominthehouse。
　　"Now，this，"exclaimedthearchitectenthusiastically，"isthemaster'sbedroom。Inyourcaseitwouldprobablybeyourwife'sroomandyouwouldoccupytheoneadjoining，whichCochrannowusesasaguest-room。Asyousee，theyareentirelycutofffrom-"
　　Mr。Griswolddidnotsee。Uptothatmomenthehadgiveneveryappearanceofbeingbothboredandsulky。Nowhisattentionwasentirelyengaged——butnotupontheadmirablesimplicityofMr。
　　Cochran'sground-plan，asMr。Posthadhoped。Instead，theeyesofthegreatestcatchinAmericawereintentlyregardingadisplayofphotographsthatsmiledbackathimfromeverycorneroftheroom。Notonlydidheregardthesephotographswithasavageglare，butheapproachedthemandcarefullystudiedtheinscriptionsscrawledacrossthefaceofeach。
　　Posthimselfcastaglanceatthenearestphotographs，andthenhastilymanoeuvredhisclientintothehallandclosedthedoor。
　　"Wewillnow，"heexclaimed，"visitthebutler'spantry，whichopensuponthedining-roomandkitchen，thussaving——"
　　ButGriswolddidnothearhim。Withoutgivinganotherglanceatthehousehestampedoutofitand，plumpinghimselfdowninthemotor-car，bangedthedoor。NotuntilPosthaddrivenhimwellintoNewYorkdidhemakeanycomment。
　　"Whatdidyousay，"hethendemanded，"isthenameofthemanwhoownsthatlasthousewesaw？"
　　Posttoldhim。
　　"Ineverheardofhim！"saidGriswoldasthoughheweredeliveringyoungCochran'sdeathsentence。"Whoishe？"
　　"He'sanarchitectinouroffice，"saidPost。"Wethinkalotofhim。He'llleaveussoon，ofcourse。Thebestonesalwaysdo。Hisworkisverypopular。Soishe。"
　　"Ineverheardofhim，"repeatedGriswold。Then，withsuddenheat，headdedsavagely："ButImeantoto-night。"
　　WhenGriswoldhadfirstpersuadedAlineProctortoengageherselftohimhehadsuggestedthat，toavoidembarrassment，sheshouldtellhimthenamesoftheothermentowhomshehadbeenengaged。
　　"Whatkindofembarrassmentwouldthatavoid？"
　　"IfIamtalkingtoaman，"saidGriswold，"andheknowsthewomanI'mgoingtomarrywasengagedtohimandIdon'tknowthat，hehasmeatadisadvantage。"
　　"Idon'tseethathehas，"saidAline。"Ifwesuppose，forthesakeofargument，thattomarrymeisdesirable，IwouldsaythatthemanwhowasgoingtomarrymehadtheadvantageovertheoneIhaddeclinedtomarry。"
　　"Iwanttoknowwhothosemenare，"explainedGriswold，"becauseIwanttoavoidthem。Idon'twanttotalktothem。Idon'twanteventoknowthem。"
　　"Idon'tseehowIcanhelpyou，"saidAline。"Ihaven'ttheslightestobjectiontotellingyouthenamesofthemenIhavecaredfor，ifIcanrememberthem，butIcertainlydonotintendtotellyouthenameofanymanwhocaredformeenoughtoaskmetomarryhim。That'shissecret，notmine——certainlynotyours。"
　　Griswoldthoughthewasveryproud。Hereallywasveryvain；andasjealousyisonlyvanityinitsnastiestdevelopmenthewasextremelyjealous。Sohepersisted。
　　"Willyoudothis？"hedemanded。"IfIeveraskyou，'Isthatoneofthemenyoucaredfor？'willyoutellme？"
　　"Ifyouwishit，"saidAline；"butIcan'tseeanyhealthinit。
　　Itwillonlymakeyouuncomfortable。SolongasyouknowIhavegivenyouthegreatestandtruestloveIamcapableof，whyshouldyouconcernyourselfwithmymistakes？"
　　"SothatIcanavoidmeetingwhatyoucallyourmistakes，"saidGriswold——"andbeingfriendlywiththem。"
　　"Iassureyou，"laughedAline，"itwouldn'thurtyouabittobeasfriendlywiththemasthey'dletyou。Maybetheyweren'tasproudoftheirfamiliesasyouare，buttheymadeupforthatbybeingadarnedsightprouderofme！"
　　Later，undismayedbythisandunashamed，ontwooccasionsGriswoldactuallydiddemandofAlineifagenialyouthshehadjustgreetedjoyfullywasoneofthoseforwhomsheoncehadcared。
　　AndAlinehadrepliedpromptlyandtruthfullythathewas。ButinthecaseofCharlesCochran，GriswolddidnotaskAlineifhewasoneofthoseforwhomsheoncehadcared。HeconsideredtheaffairwithCochransoseriousthat，inregardtothatman，headoptedadifferentcourse。
　　Indiggingrivalsoutofthepasthisjealousyhadmadehimindefatigable，butinallhisresearchesheneverhadheardthenameofCharlesCochran。ThatfactandtheaddedcircumstancethatAlineherselfneverhadmentionedthemanwasinhiseyessosuspiciousastobealmostadamningevidenceofdeception。AndhearguedthatifinthepastAlinehaddeceivedhimastoCharlesCochranshewouldcontinuetodoso。Accordingly，insteadofaskingherfranklyforthetruthheproceededtolaytrapsforit。AndifthereisonethingTruthcannotabide，itisbeinghuntedbytraps。
　　ThateveningAlineandhewereinvitedtoasupperinherhonor，andashedroveherfromthetheatretothehomeoftheirhostesshetoldherofhissearchearlierintheday。
　　TheelectriclightinthelimousineshowedAline'sfaceasclearlyasthoughitwereheldinaspotlight，andashepreparedhistrapGriswoldregardedherjealously。
　　"Posttellsme，"hesaid，"hehastheverymanyouwantforyourarchitect。He'ssureyou'llfindhimmostunderstandingand——and——
　　sympathetic。He'sayoungmanwhoisjustcomingtothefront，andhe'sverypopular，especiallywithwomen。"
　　"What'shisbeingpopularwithwomen，"askedAline，"gottodowithhiscarryingoutmyideasofahouse？"
　　"That'sjustit，"saidGriswold——"it'sthewomanwhogenerallyhasthemosttosayastohowherhouseshallbebuilt，andthismanunderstandswoman。Ihavereasonsforbelievinghewillcertainlyunderstandyou！"
　　"Ifheunderstandsmewellenoughtogivemeallthelinen-closetsIwant，"saidAline，"hewillbeperfectlysatisfactory。"
　　BeforedeliveringhisblowGriswoldsankbackintohiscornerofthecar，drewhishatbrimoverhisforehead，andfixedspyingeyesupontheverylovelyfaceofthegirlhehadaskedtomarryhim。
　　"Hisname，"hesaidinfatefultones，"isCharlesCochran！"
　　Itwassupposedtobeabodyblow；but，tohisdistress，Alineneitherstartednorturnedpale。Neither，fortryingtotrickher，didsheturnuponhiminreproofandanger。Instead，withalerteyes，shecontinuedtopeeroutofthewindowattheelectric-lightadvertisementsandherbelovedBroadway。
　　"Well？"demandedGriswold；histonewashoarseandheavywithmeaning。
　　"Wellwhat？"askedAlinepleasantly。
　　"How，"demandedGriswold，"doyoulikeCharlesCochranforanarchitect？"
　　"HowshouldIknow？"askedAline。"I'venotmethimyet！"
　　Shehadsaidit！Andshehadsaiditwithoutthewaverofoneofherlovelyeyelashes。Nowonderthepublicalreadyhailedherasafinishedactress！Griswoldfeltthathisworstfearswerejustified。Shehadliedtohim。And，asheknewshehadneverbeforeliedtohim，thatnowshedidsoprovedbeyondhopeofdoubtthatthereasonforitwasvital，imperative，andcompelling。
　　ButofhissuspicionsGriswoldgavenosign。Hewouldnotatonceexposeher。Hehadtrappedher，butasyetshemustnotknowthat。Hewouldwaituntilhehadstillfurtherentangledher——untilshecouldnotescape；andthen，withcompleteproofofherdeceit，hewouldconfrontandoverwhelmher。
　　WiththisamiablepurposeinmindhecalledearlythenextmorninguponPost&ConstantandaskedtoseeMr。Cochran。Hewished，hesaid，toconsulthimaboutthenewhouse。Posthadnotyetreachedtheoffice，andofGriswold'svisitwithPosttohishouseCochranwasstillignorant。HereceivedGriswoldmostcourteously。
　　Hefeltthatthemanwhowaslovedbythegirlhealsohadlongandhopelesslyworshippedwasdeservingofthehighestconsideration。
　　Griswoldwaslessmagnanimous。Whenhefoundhisrival——forassuchhebeheldhim——wasofcharmingmannersandgallantappearanceheconsideredthatfactanadditionalinjury；butheconcealedhisresentment，forhewasgoingtotrapCochran，too。
　　Hefoundthearchitectatworkleaningoveradrawing-board，andastheytalkedCochrancontinuedtostand。Hewasinhisshirt-sleeves，whichwererolledtohisshoulders；andthebreadthofthoseshouldersandthemusclesofhissunburnedarmsweremuchinevidence。
　　Griswoldconsidereditavulgarexhibition。
　　Forovertenminutestheytalkedsolelyoftheproposedhouse，butnotoncedidGriswoldexposethefactthathehadseenanymoreofitthananyonemightseefromthepublicroad。Whenherosetotakehisleavehesaid：
　　"HowwoulditdoifImotoredoutSundayandshowedyourhousetoMissProctor？Sundayistheonlydayshehasoff，andifitwouldnotinconvenienceyou——"
　　ThetenderheartofCochranleapedinwildtumult；hecouldnotconcealhisdelight，nordidheattempttodoso；andhisexpressionmadeitentirelyunnecessaryforhimtoassureGriswoldthatsuchavisitwouldbeentirelywelcomeandthattheymightcountonfindinghimathome。Asthoughitwereanafterthought，Griswoldhaltedatthedoorandsaid：
　　"IbelieveyouarealreadyacquaintedwithMissProctor。"
　　Cochran，consciousoffiveyearsofdevotion，foundthathewasblushing，andlongedtostranglehimself。NorwastheblushlostuponGriswold。
　　"I'msorry，"saidCochran，"butI'venothadthathonor。Onthestage，ofcourse——"
　　Heshruggedthebroadshouldersdeprecatingly，asthoughtosuggestthatnottoknowMissProctorasanartistarguesoneselfunknown。
　　Griswoldpretendedtobepuzzled。Asthoughendeavoringtorecallapastconversationhefrowned。
　　"ButAline，"hesaid，"toldmeshehadmetyou-metyouatBarHarbor。"InthefatalphotographsthefamiliarlandfallsofBarHarborhadbeeneasilyrecognized。
　　Theyoungarchitectshookhishead。
　　"ItmustbeanotherCochran，"hesuggested。"IhaveneverbeeninBarHarbor。"
　　Withtheevidenceofthephotographsbeforehimthislaststatementwasaverdictofguilty，andGriswold，notwiththeideaofgivingCochranalastchancetobehonest，buttocausehimtodigthepitstilldeeper，continuedtoleadhimon。"MaybeshemeantYorkHarbor？"
　　AgainCochranshookhisheadandlaughed。
　　"Believeme，"hesaid，"ifI'devermetMissProctoranywhereI
　　wouldn'tforgetit！"
　　TenminuteslaterGriswoldwastalkingtoAlineoverthetelephone。
　　Heintendedtoforcematters。HewouldshowAlineshecouldneithertriflewithnordeceiveChesterGriswold；butthethoughtthathehadbeendeceivedwasnotwhatmosthurthim。WhathurthimwastothinkthatAlinehadpreferredamanwholookedlikeanadvertisementforready-madeclothesandwhoworkedinhisshirt-sleeves。
　　Griswoldtookitforgrantedthatanywomanwouldbegladtomarryhim。
　　Somanyhadbeenwillingtodosothathewasconvinced，whenoneofthemwasnot，itwasnotbecausetherewasanythingwrongwithhim，butbecausethegirlherselflackedtasteandperception。
　　Thattheothershadbeeninanydegreemovedbyhismanymillionshadneversuggesteditself。Hewasconvincedeachhadlovedhimforhimselfalone；andifAline，aftermeetinghim，wouldstillconsideranyoneelse，itwasevidentsomethingwasverywrongwithAline。Hewasdeterminedthatshemustbechastened——mustbebroughttoaproperappreciationofhergoodfortuneandofhiscondescension。
　　Onbeingcalledtothetelephoneatteninthemorning，AlinedemandedtoknowwhatcouldexcuseGriswoldforrousingherinthemiddleofthenight！
　　Griswoldrepliedthat，thoughthedaywasyoung，italsowascharming；thatonSundaytheremightberain；andthatifshedesiredtoseethehouseheandPostthoughtwouldmostsuither，heandhiscarwouldbedelightedtoconveyhertoit。Theycouldmaketheruninanhour，lunchwithfriendsatWestbury，andreturninplentyoftimeforthetheatre。AlinewasdelightedatthesuddeninterestGriswoldwasshowinginthenewhouse。
　　Withoutamoment'shesitationshewalkedintothetrap。Shewouldgo，shedeclared，withpleasure。Inanhourheshouldcallforher。
　　ExactlyanhourlaterPostarrivedathisoffice。HewentdirectlytoCochran。
　　"Charles，"hesaid，"I'mafraidIgotyouintotroubleyesterday。
　　Itookaclienttoseeyourhouse。Youhaveoftenletusdoitbefore；
　　butsinceIwastherelastyou'vemadesomechanges。Inyourbedroom——"
　　Poststopped。
　　Cochran'snaivehabitofblushingtoldhimitwasnotnecessarytoproceed。IntonesofrageandmortificationCochransworeexplosively；Postwasrelievedtofindhewasswearingathimself。
　　"Ioughttobehorsewhipped！"roaredCochran。"I'llneverforgivemyself！Who，"hedemanded，"sawthepictures？Wasitamanorawoman？"
　　Postlaughedunhappily。
　　"ItwasChesterGriswold。"
　　AremarkablechangecameoverCochran。Insteadofsoberinghim，asPostsupposeditwould，theinformationmadehimevenmoreangry——onlynowhisangerwastransferredfromhimselftoGriswold。
　　"Theblankety-blankbounder！"yelledCochran。"Thatwaswhathewanted！That'swhyhecamehere！"
　　"Here！"demandedPost。
　　"Notanhourago，"criedCochran。"HeaskedmeaboutBarHarbor。
　　HesawthosepicturesweretakenatBarHarbor！"
　　"Ithink，"saidPostsoothingly，"he'darighttoaskquestions。
　　Thereweresomanypictures，andtheywerevery——well——very！"
　　"I'dhaveansweredhisquestions，"roaredCochran，"ifhe'daskedthemlikeaman，buthecamesnoopingdownheretospyonme。
　　Hetriedtotrickme。Heinsultedme！Heinsultedher！"Heemittedahowlofdismay。"AndItoldhimI'dneverbeentoBarHarbor——
　　thatI'dnevermetAlineProctor！"
　　Cochranseizedhiscoatandhat。Heshoutedtooneoftheofficeboystotelephonethegarageforhiscar。
　　"Whatareyou——whereareyougoing？"demandedPost。
　　"I'mgoinghomefirst，"criedCochran，"toputthosepicturesinasafe，asIshouldhavedonethreemonthsago。AndthenI'mgoingtofindChesterGriswoldandtellhimhe'sanassandapuppy！"
　　"Ifyoudothat，"protestedPost，"you'relikelytoloseusaveryvaluableclient。"
　　"Andyourclient，"roaredCharles，"islikelytolosesomeveryvaluableteeth！"