“Then that settles it.  You are coming with me.  No! don’t shake your head; I shall have my way this time.  There is a respectable all-night place over there on Desmet Street.  I ate there once a week ago.  We ’ll go together.”

She drew back, still clinging helplessly to the rail, her eyes on my face.

“Oh! you must not—­I—­”

My hand touched her arm.

“Yes, but I shall,” I insisted, almost sternly.  “Good Heavens, do you suppose I will leave you here on the street hungry?  I ’d never rest easy another night as long as I lived.  You are going with me.”

Feeling my determination she made no further resistance, and I half supported her as we moved slowly forward through the mist, her face turned away, her arm trembling beneath the firm clasp of my fingers.  As we advanced I became conscious that my own position was an awkward one.  I had no money of my own with me—­not a cent other than those two five-hundred dollar bills handed me by Vail.  The uselessness of attempting to pass one of these was apparent; it would be better to plead lack of cash, and put up some security if the man in charge refused credit.  At whatever cost the girl must have food.

It was much brighter on Desmet Street, numerous electric signs, advertising various places of business, even at this late hour, continuing to exhibit their rotating colors, while not a few of the shop windows remained brilliantly illuminated.  Occasionally a belated pedestrian passed, while trolley-cars clanged their way through the fog, approaching and vanishing in a purple haze.  Three doors around the corner was the all-night restaurant, through the glass front revealing a lunch counter, and a number of cloth-draped tables awaiting occupants.  A few of these were in use, a single waiter catering to the guests; a woman was scrubbing the floor under the cigar stand, while a round-faced, rather genial-looking young fellow, stood, leaning negligently against the cashier’s desk.  Rather doubtfully I glanced uneasily up and down the deserted street, and then aside into the still averted face of my chance companion.  I had no desire she should comprehend my dilemma.

“Would you mind waiting out here on the step a moment?” I questioned awkwardly, attempting to explain.  “Only until I make sure who are inside.  There are some fellows I am not friendly with, and I am not hunting a rough house with a girl to look after.  You won’t care for just a minute, will you?”

“No,” wearily, “I won’t mind.”

“You ’ll promise not to go away?”

She shook her head, her eyes staring dully into the mist.

“No; I won’t go away.  Where could I go?”

Scarcely satisfied, yet feeling obliged to take the chance, I stepped within, and advanced across the room toward the man at the cashier’s desk.  He glanced up curiously as I approached, and spoke low, so as not to attract the attention of others.