Boland made a wry face.

“I see!  Exports?”

Mary nodded, and her brave eyes drooped a little.

“Abingdon’s finest export—­in my opinion, at least—­went to Arizona.  And—­and he’s in trouble, Mr. Boland; else I might not have told you this.  But it seemed so horrid of me—­when he’s in such dreadful trouble.  So, now you know.”

“Arizona?” said Boland.  “Why, there’s where—­Excuse me; I didn’t mean to pry.”

“Yes, Stanley Mitchell.  Only that you stick in your shell, like a turtle, you’d have heard before now that we were engaged.  Are engaged.  And you mustn’t say a word.  No one knows about the trouble—­not even his uncle.  I’ve trusted you, Mr. Boland.”

“See here, Miss Selden—­I’m really not a bad sort.  If I can be of any use—­here am I. And I lived in the Southwest four years, too—­West Texas and New Mexico.  Best time I ever had!  So I wouldn’t be absolutely helpless out there.  And I’m my own man—­foot-loose.  So, if you can use me—­for this thing seems to be serious—­”

“Serious!” said Mary.  “Serious!  I can’t tell you now.  I shouldn’t have told you even this much.  Go now, Mr. Boland.  And if we—­if I see where I can use you—­that was your word—­I’ll use you.  But you are to keep away from me unless I send for you.  Suppose Stan heard now what some gossip or other might very well write to him—­that ’Mary Selden walked home every night with a fascinating Francis Charles Boland’?”

“Tell him about me, yourself—­touching lightly on my fascinations,” advised Boland.  “And tell him why you tell him.  Plain speaking is always the best way.”

“It is,” said Mary.  “I’ll do that very thing this night.  I think I like you, Mr. Boland.  Thank you—­and good-bye!”

“Good-bye!” said Boland, touching her hand.

He looked after her as she went.

“Plucky little devil!” he said.  “Level and straight and square.  Some girl!”

CHAPTER X

Mr. Oscar Mitchell, attorney and counselor at law, sauntered down River Street, with the cheerful and optimistic poise of one who has lunched well.  A well-set-up man, a well-groomed man, as-it-is-done; plainly worshipful; worthy the highest degree of that most irregular of adjectives, respectable; comparative, smart; superlative, correct.

Mr. Mitchell was correct; habited after the true Polonian precept; invisible, every buckle, snap, clasp, strap, wheel, axle, wedge, pulley, lever, and every other mechanical device known to science, was in place and of the best.  As to adornment, all in good taste—­scarfpin, an unpretentious pearl in platinum; garnet links, severely plain and quiet; an unobtrusive watch-chain; one ring, a small emerald; no earrings.