“Ned Winston, by all the gods!” he exclaimed, his voice full of heartiness.  “Say, but I ’m glad to see you, old man.  Supposed it was some bore wanting to talk business, and this happens to be my busy night.  By Jove, thought I never was going to break away from this confounded desk—­always like that when a fellow has a date.  How are you, anyhow?  Looking fine as a fiddle.  In shape to kick the pigskin at this minute, I ’ll bet a hundred.  Denver yet, I suppose?  Must be a great climate out there, if you ’re a specimen.  Must like it, anyhow; why, you ’ve simply buried yourself in the mountains.  Some of the old fellows were in here talking about it the other day.  Have n’t been East before for a couple of years, have you, Ned?”

“Considerably over three, Bob, and only on urgent business now.  Have been hard at it all day, but thought I would take a chance at finding you in, even at this hour.  Knew your natural inclination to grind, you know.  I take a train for the West at midnight.”

“Well, I rather guess not,” and Craig picked up his hat from the top of the desk.  “Do you imagine I ’ll let go of you that easily, now that you are here?  Well, hardly.  You ’ve got to give up that excursion for one night at least, even if I ’m compelled to get you jugged in order to hold you safe.  I can do it, too; I have a pull with the police department.  My automobile fines are making them rich.”

“But you just mentioned having an engagement, or rather a date, which I suppose means the same thing.”

Craig smiled indulgently, his dark eyes filled with humor.

“That’s exactly the ticket.  Glad to see you keep up with the slang of the day; proof you live in the real world, possess a normal mind, and feel an interest in current events.  Altogether most commendable.  That engagement of mine happens to be the very thing I want you for.  Most glorious event in our family history, at least within my remembrance.  My birth probably transcended even this in importance, but the details are not clear.  You will add eclat to the occasion.  By Jove, it will be immense; paterfamilias and mater-ditto will welcome you with open arms.  They often speak of you; ’pon my word they do, and I don’t know of another fellow anywhere they ’d rather have join in our little family celebration.  Oh, this is a great night for Old Ireland.  Stay?  Why, confound it, of course you ’ll stay!”

“But see here, Bob, at least give me the straight of all this.  What ’s happening?  What is it you are stacking me up against?”

“Box party at the Grand.  Here, have a cigar.  Just a family affair, you know.  First night; certain to be a swell crowd there; everything sold out in advance.  Supper afterwards, private dining-room at the Annex—­just ourselves; no guests, except only the Star and her manager.”

“The Star?  I never heard that you people went in for theatricals?”