No More Learning

"

Dick never lost his head for figures, even in his delirium. "You haven't
the shadow of an excuse for not going," said the Nilghai.

Torpenhow looked very uncomfortable. "But it's absurd and impossible. I
can't drag her back by the hair. "

"Our business--the business for which we draw our money--is to do absurd
and impossible things,--generally with no reason whatever except to
amuse the public. Here we have a reason. The rest doesn't matter. I
shall share these rooms with the Nilghai till Torpenhow returns. There
will be a batch of unbridled 'specials' coming to town in a little
while, and these will serve as their headquarters. Another reason for
sending Torpenhow away. Thus Providence helps those who help others,
and"--here the Keneu dropped his measured speech--"we can't have you
tied by the leg to Dick when the trouble begins. It's your only chance
of getting away; and Dick will be grateful. "

"He will,--worse luck! I can but go and try.
I can't conceive a woman in
her senses refusing Dick. "

"Talk that out with the girl. I have seen you wheedle an angry Mahdieh
woman into giving you dates. This won't be a tithe as difficult. You had
better not be here tomorrow afternoon, because the Nilghai and I will be
in possession. It is an order. Obey. "

"Dick," said Torpenhow, next morning, "can I do anything for you? "

"No! Leave me alone. How often must I remind you that I'm blind? "

"Nothing I could go for to fetch for to carry for to bring? "

"No. Take those infernal creaking boots of yours away. "

"Poor chap! " said Torpenhow to himself.