Part 27 (2/2)
He whirled about to his desk and caught up the receiver of one of his private-line telephones.
CHAPTER XIV
BETWEEN FRIENDS
Lord James sauntered into the office of Griffiths, C.E., and inquired for Mr. Blake. The cleric stared in vague recognition, and answered that Mr. Blake was busy. Nothing daunted, the visitor crossed to the door toward which the clerk had glanced.
When he entered, he found Blake in his s.h.i.+rtsleeves, humped over a small desk. He was intently absorbed in comparing the figures of two field books and in making little pencil diagrams.
”h.e.l.lo, old man. What's the good word?” sang out his lords.h.i.+p.
Blake nodded absently, and went on with his last diagram. When he had finished it, he looked up and perceived his friend standing graceful and debonair in the centre of the room.
”Why, h.e.l.lo, Jimmy,” he said, as if only just aware of the other's presence. ”Can't you find a chair?”
”How's the dam?”
”Dam 'fi 'no,” punned Blake. He slapped his pencil down on the desk, and flung up his arms to stretch his cramped body.
”You need a breather,” advised Lord James.
”Young Ashton came 'round to my hotel last evening. Wanted me to go to some bally musical comedy--little supper afterward with two of the show-girls--all that. I had another engagement. He then asked me to drop around this morning and take my pick of his stable. Wants me to ride one of his mounts while I'm here, you know. Suppose you come up-town with me and help me pick out a beast.”
”No,” said Blake. ”Less I see of that papa's boy the better I'll like him.”
”Oh, but as a fellow-engineer, y'know,” minced Lord James.
”You love him 'bout as much as I do.”
Lord James adjusted the pink carnation in his lapel, and casually remarked: ”You'll be calling at the Leslies' this afternoon, I daresay.”
”No,” said Blake.
”Indeed?” exclaimed the younger man. He flushed and gazed confusedly at Blake, pleased on his own account, yet none the less distressed for his friend.
Blake explained the situation with sober friendliness. ”It's all up in the air, Jimmy. I've got to make good, and she won't promise anything even if I succeed.”
”Not even if you succeed?” Lord James was bewildered.
”Can't say I blame her, since I've had time to think it over,” said Blake. ”If it was you, for instance, she might have a show to get some happiness out of life, even with the whiskey. But think of her tied up to me, whiskey or no whiskey!”
”You'll down the habit this time, old man.”
Blake smiled ironically. ”That's what you've said every time. It's what I've said myself, every time since I woke up to what the cursed sprees meant. No; don't be afraid. You'll have your chance soon enough. She has cut me clean off from outside help. She wouldn't even give me so much as a 'good luck to you'!”
”She wouldn't? But of course you know that she wishes it.”
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